AIR DATE SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
Title: National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. In this episode of Emily Tells All, we learn about childhood obesity and meet some Central Florida nonprofit organizations who are dedicated to supplying our kids with information and resources to get healthy – and stay healthy.
Guests and Locations
Orlando City Foundation, Club Founder and SVP of Community Relations President – Kay Rawlins
Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Director of Club Operations – Ericka Dickerson
Tackling Childhood Obesity with an Awareness Approach
In 2017 to 2018, the CDC reported that about 14.4 million children and adolescents were obese. Childhood obesity is a serious concern in the US, as it is linked to a plethora of chronic health conditions.
We live in an age dominated by quick fixes and fast meal options that prioritize cost and convenience over nutritional substance. The children of all generations deserve access to a healthy diet and recreational activities that will increase their longevity for years to come.
Thankfully, Central Florida hosts several nonprofit organizations that are committed to keeping kids healthy. Kay Rawlins from the Orlando City Foundation and Ericka Dickerson from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida share their thoughts.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle for Children
The Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida is a youth development organization that has been operating in Orlando for the last 77 years. During that time, they’ve expanded to 36 locations. Youth ages 6-18 can enjoy all that the club has to offer.
“We have three priority outcomes for our club members,” begins Ericka, “regardless of the amount of time they spend here.” Those goals are academic success, good character & citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.
Each location has a well-rounded array of programs that the youth can enjoy. This particular site has a garden that allows the children to grow their food and learn how to eat well. Kids can also enjoy the full-sized gymnasium to play sports, a dance studio to break a move, and a kitchen to learn how to prepare wholesome meals.
The Boys and Girls Club has a full-time team, but volunteers really help push their initiative forward to serve the community. If you’d like to get involved, there’s always a place for you at the Boys and Girls Club.
The Orlando City Foundation
The Orlando City Foundation was developed in 2012 to directly tackle childhood obesity in the Central Florida area. They’ve been widely successful in doing so thanks to their development of nutrition lessons, community gardens, and soccer programs.
Families can even adopt a raised garden bed for themselves and grow what they’d like. During schooltime, educators work with the children at the gardens to teach them how to plant, nurture, and harvest the food themselves.
The Orlando City Foundation pairs soccer with nutrition because both are equally important to preventing obesity in children. Parents can also play their part by enrolling their children in community programs and encouraging activity.
“We have so many great community centers here. Parramore Kidz Zone is a great example who have many, many, many locations, who’ve just expanded now. They have an Englewood Kid Zone now,” explains Kay, “and especially, I’d say the soccer one is an easy entry. We provide everything so if we have children who turn up, who don’t have the right footwear, we can help.”
If you are a parent and want to find out more about The Orlando City Foundation’s programs, simply visit their website.
