A.R. Lewis Elementary and West End Elementary Recognized for Addressing Childhood Obesity

A.R. Lewis and West End Elementary Schools travel to National Healthy Schools
Program Forum and Receive Award for Increasing Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, recognized A.R. Lewis and West End Elementary Schools for transforming their campus into a healthy place for students and staff.

Former President Bill Clinton was on hand to acknowledge these schools that have gone above and beyond to get students eating healthier and moving more.

As a recipient of the BRONZE National Recognittion Award, A.R. Lewis students are “less fatigued and more alert in class” since the school began building a healthier environment.

Students stay active, refocus and get energized in the classroom through a 5-a-Day dance program and participate in a variety of fitness activities in the afterschool program. They are also eating healthier with school meals providing whole grains, increase  fresh fruits and a variety of fresh vegetable options.

Students and staff at West End Elementary School are enjoying participating in a walking/running club before and after school.

School nurse Leslie Butts shares that “the walking/running club membership has doubled since conception”. A butterfly and flower garden were revitalized to create a new space for classes to be physically active while learning about science. A healthy environment is also promoted by encouraging teachers and parents to switch to non-food items for incentives and celebrations. Food insecurity was addressed through the summer feeding program with the school serving breakfast and lunch to all children throughout the summer and adults participating at a reduced rate.

To earn the National Recognition Award these school improved nutrition and physical activity programs to meet or exceed stringent standards set by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program. The Healthy Schools Program provides professional development to schools such as onsite and virtual trainings with school health experts, access to a cuustomer suppport center, science-based resources, and success stories--at no cost--to more than 16,000 schools nationwide to help them reverse the childhood obesity epidemic. Schools are eligible for Bronze, Silver, or Gold National Recognition Awards based on their level of achievement.

“This year’s honorees are an example for schools across America. Their hard work and commitment to make health a priority for students aad staff is to be admired,” said Dr. Howell Wechsler, chief executive officer of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

The Healthy Schools Program is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. To become a healthier place for students to learn and staff to work, any school in the United States can enroll and receive assistance andd support, at no cost. Find out more at HealthierGeneration.org.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, works to reeduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and to empower kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The Alliance works with schools, companies, community organizations, healthcare professionals and families to transform the conditions and systems that lead to healthier children. To learn more and join the movement, visit www.HealthierGeneration.org.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, measureable and timely change. For 40 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your
lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org.