Commit to Health Impacts Nearly 300,000 Children

April 6, 2018, Department, by National Recreation and Park Association

2018 April NRPA Update Commit to Health 410

In conjunction with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Partnership for a Healthier America, NRPA, through its Commit to Health campaign, is working to ensure that children everywhere have access to healthy foods and physical fitness opportunities during out-of-school time. Now in its fourth year, the campaign has been implemented by 1,650 park and recreation sites nationally — impacting nearly 300,000 youth enrolled in out-of-school time programming.

Since the campaign began in 2014, 47 states have sites that are part of Commit to Health, which uses the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards first adopted by the National AfterSchool Association. Youth attending Commit to Health sites report a 20 percent increase in fruit and vegetable knowledge.

“Ensuring our nation’s youth have access to healthy eating and physical activity is important — especially during out-of-school time,” says Kellie May, NRPA director of health and wellness. “NRPA is committed to this effort; that’s why we encourage our member agencies to take the Commit to Health pledge. Together, we can make a difference.”

“At Healthier Generation, we believe every child deserves a healthy future,” adds Dr. Howell Wechsler, CEO of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “We’re proud to partner with NRPA and Commit to Health to increase healthy eating and physical activity opportunities for hundreds of thousands of kids nationwide, particularly those who have fewer healthy choices.”

Join the 1,650 park and recreation sites across the country that are inspiring youth, families and communities to eat healthy and move more. Learn more about Commit to Health