The document summarizes the efforts of Central's Food and Fitness Team, a group working to promote healthy eating and physical activity in the community. The team runs programs like a 5K run/walk, volleyball tournament, and community garden. They also work with school staff to offer more fresh fruits and vegetables. The goal is to give youth healthy alternatives to junk food and video games and create a more active community to address issues like childhood obesity in the region. The team is made up of around 20 students and advisors and has support from local organizations.

1. CENTRAL’S FOOD AND FITNESS TEAM “ Doing what we can to create the healthiest community possible using Healthy, Locally Grown Foods, Educating Youth, and creating opportunities for Physical Activity and Play!”

3. OVERWEIGHT and OBESITY IN NE IOWA Source: http://facits.idph.state.ia.us/facits/ Iowa Allamakee Clayton Fayette Howard Winneshiek Overweight 37.3% 38.2 38.1 37.8 38.2 35.9 Obese 22.5% 23.2 23.2 22.8 23.0 21.5

4. WHY DO WE NEED A FOOD AND FITNESS GROUP? THIS IS THE FIRST GENERATION of kids predicted to NOT OUT-LIVE THEIR PARENTS.

5. Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1985 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs overweight for 5’ 4” person) Iowa Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ No Data <10% 10%–14%

16. WE ARE PRODUCTS OF OUR BUILT ENVIRONMENT. PARENTS ARE OUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES: GOOD OR BAD We need to impact everyone, Not just the youth…

17. Overweight children are 43.5 times more likely to have at least 3 cardiovascular risk factors. Source: Nicklas (2001) Journal of the American College of Nutrition 20(6): 599-608

22. Source: Nicklas (2001) Journal of the American College of Nutrition 20(6): 599-608 Nearly one-third of U.S. Children aged 4 to 19 eat fast food every day , resulting in approximately six extra pounds per year, per child .

28. FUTURE ENDEAVOURS: SHORT TERM DANCE MARATHON MINI-TRIATHALON COMMUNITY GARDEN

34. A SPECIAL THANK YOU It’s all about the relationships we have, and continue to build Elkader Community Hospitals Athletic Booster Club Central Wellness Committee School Board Family Consumer Science Class Construction Classes Technology Classes School Nurse Lunch Ladies Curriculum Director Administration: Galen Reinsmoen; Superintendant Dan Yanda; HS Principal / AD Troy Lentell; Elem. Principal