Friday, January 24, 2014
Helping Children Get a Healthier Start in Life: Government Launches the Healthy Kids Community Challenge
Premier Kathleen Wynne, along with Deb Matthews, Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care visited the Wellesley Community Centre in Toronto today to kick off the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.
The challenge is a new initiative to help children be more active and healthy so they can reach their full potential.
The province will provide 30 communities with funding, training, advice, social marketing tools and other resources over four years to develop and implement community-based programs and activities that promote healthy habits.
Communities are encouraged to partner with schools, public health organizations, local businesses and other organizations to submit an application to participate in the challenge. If selected, they will plan and implement initiatives together that promote healthy eating, physical activity and adequate sleep.
Helping children and young people get a healthy start in life is part of the Ontario government's plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
Quick Facts:
- Supporting community-based activities to promote healthier living is a key recommendation of the Healthy Kids Panel report.
- Adult obesity is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease. Currently 75 per cent of obese children grow up to become obese adults.
- Applications will be accepted from municipalities, Aboriginal Health Access Centres and Aboriginal Community Health Centres on behalf of their communities until March 14, 2014.
- A selection panel will be chosen to review and judge the applications.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"If we want our children to reach their full potential, we need to give them the best possible start in life. That is why we will support community-based programs that promote healthy living. We want to make sure we put our young people on the path to lifelong health and success."
— Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
"An important part of our Action Plan is investing in health promotion. The Healthy Kids Community Challenge is an important initiative to promote healthy living amongst children and youth through friendly competition. It will ultimately inspire more people to lead healthier and more active lives."
— Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
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