Healthy Happy Kids is an evidence-based program that has impacted more than 1,500 children in 22 Birmingham City schools.Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States. It is even more severe in Alabama.
One-third of the state’s children are either overweight or obese. That rate is even higher among African-American and Hispanic children. Many families living in food deserts use the local convenience store or fast food restaurant as their primary source of food, which leads to the consumption of high-calorie, nutrient-poor food.
But a unique partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center, the Housing Authority of Birmingham District, the Campus of Hope at Marks Village, and the Kingston Coalition is working to change those statistics for children in Birmingham.
Children in the afterschool program at the Campus of Hope at Marks Village are learning to be
“Healthy Happy Kids” through a six-week childhood obesity prevention program of the same name. The hands-on curriculum, developed by the MHRC and taught by UAB nutritionists and exercise experts, provides practical lessons for children on what their bodies need to stay healthy. Children learn which foods are healthy, how much they should eat and how to make healthy snacks at home. They also enjoy fun and energetic games that promote daily physical activity.
“We are grateful to the Housing Authority of Birmingham District and the Kingston Coalition for working with us to help the children of Kingston and Marks Village learn to be healthy, happy kids,” said MHRC Community Engagement Director Tiffany Osborne.
Healthy Happy Kids is an evidence-based program that has impacted more than 1,500 children in 22 Birmingham City schools and locations since 2008. This is the first time the program has been presented at the Campus of Hope.
“By educating the next generation on healthier food and physical activity choices, we can help change the trajectory of Alabama’s obesity statistics,” Osborne said.
Healthy Happy Kids was selected by UAB as one of UAB’s 50 Acts of Service to the Community to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the university.