Children between the ages of five and 18 spend approximately 900 hours in school in a given year. With two of three suggested daily meals available to youth during the school day, schools can have a significant impact on students' food choices. Additionally, the Institute of Medicine recommends that children expend 50 percent of their daily energy while in school.
Since 2003, the Center has had a longstanding relationship with Pennsylvania schools. By leading an annual healthy school campaign, the Center helps schools promote healthy eating and physical activity and improve school environments to help students make healthy choices.
Through the healthy school campaign, the Center provides programs and health education materials including:
“Enrolling as a Keystone Healthy Zone school has allowed our students to participate in lifetime activities through our physical education and after-school programs.”