Bright From The Start Launches Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits Program

Childhood obesity is a big problem in the state of Georgia. A program through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning could help reduce the number of kids who are overweight. Eating healthy starts early and according to the CDC, 12.5 million children and adolescents ages 2-19 are overweight. Program Manager at Bright from the Start, Marissa Hamm, says the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning received a grant from the USDA to help child care centers provide healthier meals. Thirty eight early care and education centers in 42 middle Georgia counties will be selected to receive up to 3,000 dollars in the form of sub grants to support wellness activities.

“The objective of this program is to target child care centers and the care givers that work in child care centers to have them train on the best practices related to nutrition and physical activities”, said Hamm.

If your child care center is chosen to get a grant, Bright from The Start says it will provide training, technical assistance, and funding to implement new wellness policies. For more information about the Healthy Habits program or application process you can go to http://decal.ga.gov/