PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
H.I.P. – Health Is Power – According to federal reports, Missouri is one of the heaviest states in the country, with 30 percent of adults obese and 29 percent of children (aged 10 to 17) overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is a strong predictor of adult obesity and is associated with an increased risk of a variety of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Obesity has been estimated to decrease a person’s lifespan by an average of 2-5 years and can lead to significant economic costs to both individuals and the state. The H.I.P. Initiative was developed to address childhood obesity through prevention efforts in the St. Louis area by promoting healthy lifestyles, including optimal nutrition and regular physical activity.
Our mission is to inspire healthy eating, environmental awareness and fitness as a way of life for children in area school districts. Through meaningful partnerships with national and local organizations, school leadership, teachers, chefs, coaches, parents and kids, H.I.P. will create hands-on programs such as Culinary Ambassadors, Garden to the Classroom, and H.I.P. Sports Ambassadors. These programs will provide nutrition education, healthy foods, healthy environments and opportunities for children to flourish.