Community forum to discuss statewide efforts to improve children's health in Pennsylvania

National Public Health Week is April 5-11

In recognition of National Public Health Week, Secretary of Health Everette James today hosted a community forum at Owen J. Roberts Middle School and High School in Chester County to discuss statewide efforts to improve the health of Pennsylvania's children.  

"To be successful and sustainable, state programs must truly engage local families, schools and our communities to improve the health of Pennsylvania children," said James. "Together, we are giving children the tools and support they need to develop healthy habits for a lifetime of good health."

Recognizing that more than one-third of all Pennsylvania students are obese or overweight, the state has taken active steps to improve the health of all Pennsylvania children. Steps include expanding and promoting opportunities to increase physical activity in schools through the Active Schools program, a joint initiative of the departments of Health and Education. In addition, the Department of Agriculture's Healthy Farms and Healthy Schools program works to expand access to healthy foods in schools and communities.

During today's visit, James and Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding thanked school officials, students and parents for their involvement in both programs. They also visited a garden at a local elementary school where students are learning the value of growing fresh produce.  

The Active Schools Grant Program requires schools to implement daily, evidence-based physical activity programs and to monitor student progress throughout the school year. Schools were selected for participation based on their commitment to provide a health and fitness curriculum that adds 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Schools received a $5,000 grant from the Department of Health and an additional $10,000 from one of five supporting organizations.

Independence Blue Cross provided funding to Owen J. Roberts Middle School, as well as to nine other participating schools in the state.

The Healthy Farms and Healthy Schools program provides grants to schools or  districts that use educational tools to promote healthy eating and locally grown food. Recipients were awarded grants of up to $15,000 to cover up to 75 percent of the cost of a project or program including gardens, trips to farms and on-site markets. The grant recipient must provide the balance.

"These grants are an important investment in the health of our youth and our agriculture industry," said Redding. "We know that students can't fill their minds on empty stomachs, so making a connection between young people and farms is vital to Pennsylvania's future. With the grants, schools can encourage kindergarteners to make smart decisions when eating, ensuring a healthier future for our youth and a stronger future for our farms."

Secretary James announced Pennsylvania was awarded a grant for nearly $1.5 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Communities Putting Prevention to Work. These funds will complement physical activity programs with nutrition education in the schools and will allow the department to:

• Work with schools and food service suppliers to implement age-appropriate menu-labeling systems in schools that will help students make healthier food choices;
• Develop effective communication strategies for  parents so they can help their children make healthier food selections at school cafeterias; and  
• Work with community-based partners to establish walking routes that promote the historical and cultural heritage of our communities, while at the same time promoting physical activity suitable for use by families, teachers, and students of all ages and abilities.  

The Department of Health also created radio public service announcements to raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and increasing physical activity for children. The PSAs are available from the Department of Health press office.  

National Public Health Week is a time to celebrate advancements in public health, assess the nation's current public health status and highlight the importance of taking action.