Short Summary
Y
Healthy Kids Matter strives to address and reduce childhood obesity, improve
community health and wellness and engage both youth and families around living
a more healthy and balanced lifestyle. The Y Healthy Kids Matter pilot program
is in its first year and serves approximately 20 youth in 3rd-5th grade at
Sheridan Elementary School in Minneapolis and is a collaboration between the
Beacons Network and the University YMCA. A team of nine college student
volunteers with health-related majors spent a semester developing the model and
strategies as an extension of the Y’s Healthy Kids Initiative, and have
continued on for an additional semester of the implementation phase of the
project.
At
Sheridan, college student mentors act as positive role models for young people
and build meaningful relationships with both youth and their families. As these
relationships solidify, the college student mentors engage with their mentees
to build a positive view of the young person’s personal future. Mentors work with youth in small and large
groups, engaging them in hands-on curriculum and activities focused on health,
nutrition, wellness and physical fitness from a holistic approach.
What We Need & What You Get
We hope to expand and improve our program in 2014 in these exciting ways!
- More healthy cooking activities
- Expand into middle schools and high schools
- Upgrade our kitchen supplies
- Field trips (community gardens, farmers markets, grocery stores and co-ops, etc.)
- Host a 'Family Cooking Night'
The Impact
Among Minnesota’s children, 11.1% are obese or overweight. Many of the Minneapolis Public Schools have decreased or eliminated time during the school day for physical education. As young people are engaged in less physical activity in school, they are less focused in their classes during the school day.
We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. Y Healthy Kids will strive to make an impact in the following ways:
- Laying the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle
- Young people try new foods and exercises
- Provide high quality after-school opportunities
"I love everything
about Beacons but I really love meeting college students. They teach us
how to be healthy and to make good choices. I see myself going to college
too and being able to lead Beacons clubs." - a Y Healthy Kids Matter Participant
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that you may not be able to contribute financially, but here are some other ways to support Y Healthy Kids!
- Come in as a guest speaker
- Share your expertise around healthy lifestyles
- Contribute healthy recipes
Please email uymentors.health@ymcatwincities.org if you are interested in being a guest speaker at one of our training dates or would like to share a healthy recipe!
