›› Schools

During the 2004 Regional Forums the school environment gathered the greatest amount of attention. Seven out of the nine regions wanted to improve school nutrition and increase physical activity in schools. At the regional strategic planning meetings in 2005-2006 each of the eleven coalitions decided the State Action Plan objective: Increase the number of policy, practices, and incentives that promote healthy eating and physical activity in schools would be one of their regions priorities.

Schools are in a unique position to model and support healthy eating behaviors that will lead to better health and improved learning. Children spend a significant portion of their time in school and are highly influenced by the school environment and the messages they receive there.  The Partnership for a Fit Kentucky regional coalitions views this environment as a place to make effective changes.

In February 2006 the Kentucky legislature approved minimum nutrition standards for foods & beverages available on public school campuses during the school day. Elementary schools are required to develop and implement a wellness policy that includes daily physical activity. Schools may use up to 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes per week of curriculum time for physical activity. Nutrition & physical activity reports are required annually. School nutrition service personnel must meet educational criteria.

›› The Partnership for a Fit Kentucky is Proud to Partner with Kentucky’s Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK).

Mission: To engage diverse organizations, leaders, and volunteers in actions that foster sound nutrition and good physical activity in children, youth, and schools.

Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) is an integrated, national-state effort that is addressing the epidemic of overweight, undernourished and sedentary youth by focusing on changes in the school environment. In an effort to reduce duplication and to maximize resources Kentucky’s AFHK will lead the school venue of the Partnership for a Fit Kentucky.

AFHK brings to the table access to tools, resources, educational opportunities and financial stipends to accomplish systemic and strategic changes that result in healthier school environment.

TOOLS AND RESOURCES
The national AFHK website has resources that include everything from implementing after-school programs to instituting school wellness policies. Click on www.actionforhealthykids.org to find articles, assessments, survey tools, fact sheets, lessons, curriculum, policy guidance, reports, data, research, position statements, toolkits and websites. Search by topic, audience, material type, target age, partner or state.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Sign up to be a Kentucky State Team Member on Action for Healthy Kids website you will receive monthly e-newsletters; invitations to phone symposia that provide training/information to team members on current events and programs; and access to password protected areas of the AFHK website that provide tools, resources, and best practices.

To Sign Up:

• Go to www.actionforhealthykids.org
• Click on Join a State Team
• Fill out the application form completing as much information as possible
• Once your application is processed (2-4 weeks) you will receive notification of your membership by a representative of the Kentucky State Team

FINANCIAL STIPENDS
Since the two groups have collaborated Kentucky AFHK has received a total of $67,500 in grant funding from Kellogg Foundation, General Mills and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Sheild The funding has been used to help stregthen regional coalition’s school committee. In 2006 each of the eleven Partnerships for Fit Kentucky regional coalitions received a small stipend of $2,000 to aid in implementing and evaluating school wellness policies in their region.

Summary of Regional Projects

Currently regional coalitions are applying for competitive mini-grants to further their team’s goal. To find out what your region is doing contact your AFHK regional liasion.

Meet you State Team:

National Liasion:
Kathy Belcher
Southeast Dairy Association
kbelcher@sudiainc.com

Chair
Jackie Walters
UK Cooperative Extension
jwalt3@email.uky.edu

Co-Chair
Robin Walker
Kentucky Department of Education
Robin.Walker@education.ky.gov

Steering Team
The Steering Team consists of members from Kentucky Department of Education, Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, American Heart Association, Food Service Directors, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Governor’s Office of Wellness and Physical Activity and Parent Volunteers.

Action for Healthy Kids Regional Liaisons
Each of the eleven regional coalitions has an AFHK Regional Liaison. The Liaison links the school committee to the overall regional coalition. This person convenes the committee, leads in developing the action plan and evaluation of projects. Click here to find out who is your AFHK Regional Liaison.