We held a "Health Challenge" at Clinton Elementary for the first time this spring.  It was a huge success.  The Clinton PTA Wellness Group created the "Health Challenge" out of frustration with the abysmal school meals being offered at Columbus Public Schools.  The group decided to address the issue of health at a more basic level and teach the students directly about healthy food choices and lifestyle choices. 

The nutritionists in the PTA group taught in every classroom at Clinton, the week before the Health Challenge.  They emphasized the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet and value of exercise to overall wellbeing.  The week following the class teach-ins, the students had an opportunity to log all the healthy food choices they had made and physical activities they had participated in for that week.  The log sheets were collected and points were attributed.  The points were tabulated and the students' with the highest point scores were given pedometers.  In addition, the classroom with the highest cumulative point score was given an extra recess (with a surprise prize.)

During the week of the Health Challenge, we helped encourage the kids to make healthy choices by offering free samples of unusual fruits and vegetables, healthy fruit shakes, and numerous recess activities.  This involved several community resources and donations.  Clinton received donations from Whole Foods (Dublin), Whole Foods (OSU), Green Edge Organic Farm (Athens), Local Matters (Clintonville), Green Grocer (Columbus), Metro Martial Arts (Clintonville) and many others.

The project was a success for several reasons.  Firstly, teaching the students the week before peeked their curiosity and interest.  Secondly, we met with the teachers adn staff both as a group and individually to describe the challenge and ask for their support.  As a result, teachers were bringing in unusual fruits and vegetables to their classes, incorporating healthy lifestyle choices into their lessons and participating in the recess-time activities.  Finally, we had fantastic community support including a large number of parents that helped organize playground activities and tastings.

We are planning on continuing the program next year because of the positive response from students and parents.

Photo 1: Students waiting in snack line for samples

Photo 2: Students receiving seeds

Photo 3: Fifth grade students learning how plants grow

Photo 4: Students anxious to receive samples

Photo 5: Third graders enjoying the samples

• Date of Program: April 23- May 1
• Level of Success: Building Level, Classroom Level
• Assessment Tool: CDC Assessment
• Funding Source: Ohio Action for Healthy Kids provided us with a $350 grant to provide incentives for our program.
• Costs: Materials/ Supplies
• Length of Planning, Implementation and Evaluation: 1-6 months
• Factors for Success: Establishment of an active Coordinated School Health Team, Administrative Support, Funding, Community Partners
• Highest Buckeye Best: Silver
• People Impacted by Program: 370 Students, All Parents/ Community Members