Camden Celebrates National Childhood Obesity Month

August 29, 2013 | Camden, Community News, Community News and Media

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. As kids head back to school, this national designation gives prominence and keeps children’s health and well-being at the forefront of policy discussions.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asks that officials, communities and individuals “use this month to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and show people how they can take action toward a solution—both at home and in the larger community.”

Perhaps the best way to show how action can be taken is to reflect on policy change that has yielded both immediate results and also holds promise for continued positive outcomes over the longer term.

Camden has a lot to celebrate in that area. Camden City Public Schools has adopted a district-wide wellness policy that has the potential to change the direction of nutrition and recreational activity for all Camden school children. Breakfast in the Classroom, one of the first outcomes of the wellness policy, starts in September. For more information, click here  (insert link to article below “Camden Schools Serve Breakfast in the Classroom”)

Respond Inc., a provider of social services for children and adults, has also crafted comprehensive nutrition and physical activities policies affecting menu planning, classroom parties, birthday celebrations and physical activities in the organization’s 12 child care centers. For more information, click here (insert link to Respond Inc. article)

These wellness policies have the potential to not just raise awareness about childhood obesity but also create environments that support children’s health.

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