Treffer: Building Healthy Habits and Healthy Futures: How Afterschool Programs Are Supporting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating. Issue Brief No. 81

Physical activity and healthy eating are instrumental to a child's overall healthy development, resulting in a number of positive outcomes, like better academic performance and lower risk of depression. Yet, most young people are not meeting the recommended daily amount of physical activity, are not eating enough vegetables or fruits, and are exceeding recommended limits of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat. The current situation is especially alarming given that activity and dietary patterns formed in adolescence often carry into adulthood. Beyond health impacts at the individual level, poor nutrition and physical inactivity have broad societal consequences. However, afterschool and summer learning programs are playing a significant role in helping young people build healthy habits while also reducing the barriers that prevent so many children from accessing nutritious meals and recreational opportunities. Afterschool and summer learning programs are offering daily meals and regular physical activity; providing engaging experiences where students garden, practice cooking healthful foods, or are introduced to a new sport; and fostering supportive relationships between students and staff that encourage nutritious eating and excitement about physical activity. Together with families, schools, and communities, afterschool and summer learning programs are stepping up to help young people develop and nurture lifelong healthy habits. This brief presents how afterschool programs are supporting physical activity and healthy eating.

ERIC