Children's center chosen for obesity prevention program

The Children’s Enrichment Center at Grand Valley is one of 10 centers in Michigan awarded a grant to participate in an early childhood obesity prevention project. 

Funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, the center will use the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care program to improve physical activity practices and policies. The center received a $3,000 grant from the project, which will be put toward new equipment the children can use inside and outside.

Jessica Miranda-Bevier, program assistant for CEC, said this is the second year the center is participating in the program. “Last year we made it a goal to incorporate more fresh produce in the meals,” she said. “This year we want to be more intentional about providing ample physical activities for the children within the classroom setting, hoping to help reduce the issue of inactivity which can lead to obesity.”

Miranda-Bevier said the center’s participation in the project will end September, but the new policies they create will be ongoing. “We hope to help the children establish lifelong habits like healthy eating and exercising,” she said.