We all are aware that childhood obesity is on the rise.  We know that we need to help our students become healthier and learn life-long nutrition and physical activity habits.  Developing a District Wellness Policy and local wellness plan were our first steps.  Now it's time to take action!!

Cobb County School District is pleased to introduce the We Can! program to its students, staff and community.  We Can! is a science-based resource to help families maintain a healthy weight.  Our children in America are struggling with an obesity epidemic which can limit their future.  The consequences of being overweight in youth can be devastating and long-term, contributing to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol in adulthood.  To help solve this public health problem, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - the nation's medical research agency - developed We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition) to empower parents and caregivers to help children ages 8-13 maintain a healthy weight.  We Can! is a national education program that brings proven interventions to life, and focuses on three important behaviors:  improved food choices, increased physical activity, and reduced screen time. 

The Food and Nutrition Services office, which includes 11 registered and licensed dietitians are excited to implement this initiative throughout the district.  Our first step of implementation is to incorporate the CATCH Kids Club into all of our elementary after-school programs.  CATCH Kids Club is an after-school program to educate elementary school age children about improved nutrition and physical activity.  With a collaboration with the Cobb Health Department, we will be providing training and a CATCH Kids Club Kit to all Elementary School After-School Directors.  In addition, a dietetic intern will complete one of the CATCH Kids Club activities to each of the after-school programs.