New collaborative formed

The American Dairy Association Mideast (ADA Mideast) has joined forces with Children's Hunger Alliance (CHA) and Ohio Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) to address childhood obesity in Ohio. These organizations share a common goal of improving the child nutrition in Ohio.

This new collaborative effort, called Healthy Kids Healthy Schools, combines ADA Mideast’s successful in-school programs with CHA’s school meal expertise and AFHK's community connections to create a focused, impactful, and well-rounded approach to improving the health of our state’s school children.

Helping Ohio’s schools

Ohio schools are now required by law to adopt nutrition standards for cafeterias and school vending machines. While mandating school policy reform is a critical first step in improving child nutrition and curbing childhood obesity, legislation alone is often insufficient in bringing about sustainable change.

The targeted outreach and technical assistance provided by Healthy Kids Healthy Schools helps Ohio schools effectively make changes to meet the new nutrition standards.

Our 5-year objectives

• 375 Ohio middle schools will develop strong school breakfast programs, increasing participation by 30,000 additional children
• 450 Ohio middle schools will demonstrate an increase in nutrient-rich foods in school meals, vending machines, school stores, and after school programs
• Over 49,500 Ohio students will report increases in their consumption of nutrient-rich foods
• 240 Ohio schools will strengthen and implement effective school wellness policies