Schools
The HWCF focuses on children in grades K–5, emphasizing the importance of physical activity and a balanced diet. We are developing evidence-based research and providing curriculum for teachers and nurses to encourage energy balance in schools. Our flagship program, Energy Balance 101, provides lesson plans, curriculum, toolkits, resources and opportunities for grants and prizes. Our open source content is available worldwide, free of charge and without copyright restrictions.
Evidence-based research was the foundation of a two-year strategic relationship between HWCF and the Healthy Schools Partnership (HSP), testing the theory that one-on-one coaching would be most effective in promoting energy balance. The partnership comprised three national organizations: the American Council on Fitness and Nutrition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and PE4life. These nationally-renowned organizations deployed registered dietitians and implemented PE4Life approaches, combining nutrition and physical education to teach energy balance.
Building on the lessons learned from HSP, we are sponsoring research based on a partnership with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Playworks, and UC Berkeley (Atkins Center for Weight and Health) to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive school-based energy balance program.
The HWCF has become a leader in taking action, driving the discussion and creating innovative teaching and motivational tools that are transforming young lives. Our commitment to homes and schools allows us to have the strongest impact on the lives of children in an effort to help reduce obesity.
Click on each case study below to learn more about our initiatives:
Green Fields Country Day School
Myrtle Beach Intermediate
Oak Grove Lower Elementary
St. Philip the Apostle
Grants and Prizes
HWCF re-launched our Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes in partnership with Playworld Systems and Sports Authority to award three schools with new playgrounds. The Find Your Balance Challenge is open to K–5 classroom teachers who implement a creative energy balance change in their schools. The grand prize includes a $30,000 grant from Sports Authority and a new Playworld Systems playground. A gold award of $10,000, a silver award of $1,000, and a bronze award of teacher training aim to encourage elementary schools nationwide to participate in the HealthierUS Schools Challenge and activate Energy Balance 101
EB4Kids
Leveraging the success of our programs in Kansas City and Iowa, we refined our curriculum and approach. We expanded EB4Kids to include seven schools—four intervention schools and three control schools—in the Oakland/Berkeley area of California to reach a total of 1,612 students. To date, in the intervention schools, we have collected baseline nutrition and physical activity data, hosted family and community events, modified food service offerings, and enabled site visits by HWCF team members.
Adopt-a-School
Positive results from the Healthy Schools Partnership prompted the Iowa Business Council, including HWCF member Hy-Vee, Inc., to launch an Adopt-a-School challenge with PE4Life to encourage active, healthy living in schools. To date, 28 schools have been adopted, —which is well on the way to the goal of 50 schools. HWCF continues to fund activities at these schools.
PE4Life
HWCF funds support PE4Life’s Kansas City Urban Core Initiative and the Kansas City Metro Project, which provides training for PE4Life principles, PE teacher support and equipment awards. The Kansas City Metro Project reaches schools in Kansas City’s urban core, including in new districts and charter schools. Phase I of the program is in 70 schools, and Phase II is in five schools.
