Here are snapshots of local initiatives that will involve eight local organizations during the next two years:
What: Adult “drivers” accompany groups of students as they walk to and from local elementary schools. The program will expand its routes at the schools it already walks to and add two additional schools. PedNet will hire a part-time coordinator to oversee the program.
Who: PedNet Coalition will coordinate; elementary students will participate.
When: The Walking School Bus will begin operating full time after spring break and continue until the end of the school year.
What: Children participate in a one-mile walk/run “kick off” and then track their progress as they walk, run, bike or swim a marathon length of 26 miles over the course of the summer.
Who: Boone Hospital Center and PedNet are organizing the program, which is open to children under the age of 14.
When: The promotion will begin during the last few weeks of the school year at elementary schools.
Fun Fact: For every five miles recorded, children will be awarded a coupon for a local business or other incentive.
What: Columbia Parks and Recreation staff will train staff of the Adventure Club.
Who: The Adventure Club, operated by MU’s College of Education, provides after-school activities for children in elementary school. Funds will be provided for the Adventure Club to purchase equipment and literature.
When: Next semester at the Adventure Club.
What: Free classes on nutrition and cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to existing courses for WIC, a supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children. Emphasis will be placed on quick, simple dishes for adults who are on a budget in terms of time and money but wish to remain health-conscious.
Who: Sponsored by the Columbia/Boone County Health Department; open to all Boone County residents.
When: Currently offered 19 times a month by the health department for WIC; the classes will be expanded to 24 times a month.
What: Healthy sack lunches provided in Douglass Park for nine weeks during the summer for children age 18 and under with free samplings of fruits and vegetables. Contests will encourage children to sample fresh fruits and vegetables.
Who: The health department, Columbia Public Schools and Volunteer Action Committee.
What: Preschool teachers will be taught health education curriculum recognized by the National Institute of Health Care Management as effective in reducing child obesity.
Who: Staff from MU Extension and the health department will train 30 teachers from 15 preschools.
What: Staff at four schools, including art instructors, will be granted funds to spruce up the appearance of their cafeterias with posters and art.
Who: Columbia Public Schools Nutrition Department.
Source: Columbia/Boone County Health Department and Public Health Planner Linda Cooperstock.