Anti-Obesity Campaign Launches at LHA

                         
New Orleans struggles with one of the highest rates of child obesity in the United States. The above video highlights programs in New Orleans fighting to change bad habits. Programs include an increase in school gardens where students learn about where food comes from, incentives for public schools to provide healthy food options, and First Lady Michelle Obama's campaign to promote physical activity.

At the Dreamkeeper Garden, FirstLine Lead Garden Educator, Amy and students from Langston Hughes Academy learn how to grow broccoli and the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.

As part of our continued mission to serve the whole child, FirstLine Schools offers programs such as Edible Schoolyard New Orleans (ESYNOLA). A signature program of FirstLine Schools, ESYNOLA involves students and the school community in growing, harvesting, preparing and enjoying food together as a means of awakening their senses, cultivating an environment that promotes a sense of pride and responsibility for our land and natural resources, and developing a love of fresh, seasonal foods. The mission of ESY NOLA is to imporve the long-term well-being of our students, families and school community.

Additionally, as part of our continued mission to serve the whole child, FirstLine Schools has adopted Comprehensive School Wellness as one of its major initiatives for the 2012-2013 school year. Comprehensive School Wellness aims to address six key areas of school wellness: (1) Mindset, Policies, Systems, & Assessments, (2) School Food: Nutrition, Access, & Education, (3) Physical Safety, (4) Physical Fitness, (5) Mental & Emotional Health, and (6) Risky Behavior Prevention.