The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy School Age Child Care programs will join YMCA throughout New Jersey in celebrating the annual Healthy U Fall kickoff in its youth programs on October 26th.
In New Jersey, one out of every three school age children is either overweight or obese putting them at risk of developing serious health problems later in life. The Healthy U program is the result of a collaboration between The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. Healthy U’s goal is to promote healthy behavior and to prevent childhood obesity through more physical activity, family involvement and nutrition education.
The purpose and goals of the Healthy U annual kickoff events are to:
- Demonstrate the positive, healthy impact of Healthy U
- Introduce new students and families to the many benefits of Healthy U
- Promote a three-pronged effort to combat childhood obesity through nutrition education, stepped up physical activity and family engagement
The Y of MEWSA local kickoff events will feature Open Houses for parents, Healthy Snack making, Fine Arts and Creative Movement activities. The YMCA will be celebrating the Healthy U Kick in conjunction with the National Lights on Afterschool Event. Lights on Afterschool is an annual day to bring attention and build support for the important afterschool programs which offer children and families a safe, engaging environment for children in out of school time
“Healthy U is changing lives for the better,” said Robert A. Marino, Horizon BCBSNJ Chairman & CEO and Horizon Foundation Chairman. “Thousands of children who take part in Healthy U each day are learning why proper nutrition and physical activity are so important. These children are leading healthier, more productive lives.”
“Celebrating Healthy U in coordination with the annual Lights On Afterschool event is so important to raise the awareness of improving the health and well-being of children,” said Sue Cornell, Healthy U Director. “Healthy U positively impacts over 90,000 children ages 3 to 13 at 480 YMCA and 90 elementary school sites statewide. Healthy U is a unique asset to YMCA childcare education programming. All evidence indicates that well-nourished active children are more prepared to learn and thrive. We are thrilled to have The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey as a strong partner.”
Since Healthy U’s inception in 2008, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has invested more than $4.7 million to sustain the program through 2019. For more information on this program contact your local Y or Sue Cornell, Healthy U Director, NJ YMCA State Alliance at sue.cornell@ymca.net or visit www.njymca.org.
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
About Healthy U
The Healthy U program is the result of a collaborative partnership between The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. Through preschool, after-school and school-based programs, Healthy U impacts more than 90,000 children, ages 3 to 13, at 480 YMCA and elementary school sites statewide. These YMCA afterschool and preschool programs and partnering schools are implementing environmental strategies and activities, and education to increase physical activity and promote good nutrition for students and their families. Since its inception in 2007, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has invested $4.7 million to develop and sustain the program through 2019. For more information, please visit www.njymca.org/main/healthy-u
About The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is committed to working alongside those who can help us improve our neighbors’ health, inform their health decisions and inspire them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. The Foundation’s funding pillars are Caring, Connecting and Creating. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the sole member of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, both of which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information please visit www.Community.HorizonBlue.com.
About the YMCA
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across New Jersey, YMCAs reach over 550,000 residents including 250,000 children under the age of 18. Ys nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 37 New Jersey communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance brings together New Jersey Ys to better serve the people of New Jersey. Learn more at www.njymca.org.
About Lights On Afterschool
Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their role in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn and helping working families. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and annually sees more than 1 million Americans celebrate at more than 8,000 events nationwide. Lights On Afterschool is organized by the Afterschool Alliance to underscore the need to invest in afterschool programs, which provide homework help, healthy snacks, mentoring, physical activities, structured safe programming and more. The YMCA is a partner organization.