Continuing its commitment as a healthy campus, Grand Valley joined the Partnership for a Healthier America and committed to adopt guidelines centered on the campus' physical activity programs, and dining options.
Partnership for a Healthier America is a nonprofit organization led by honorary chair First Lady Michelle Obama and charged with improving the health of American youth.
Lindsey DesArmo, health and wellness specialist, said becoming a PHA partner fits nicely with Grand Valley's strategic goals to encourage healthy lifestyles for students, faculty and staff members.
"Our vision is for Grand Valley to be the healthiest campus in Michigan by increasing healthy lifestyle choices and providing opportunities for a lifelong commitment to good health," DesArmo said.
Guidelines Grand Valley will implement over the next three years include adding two miles of walking trails on the Allendale Campus, adding "Healthy Choice" checkmarks on nutritious choices at several Campus Dining locations, and having access to a registered dietician.
Grand Valley was among six new PHA campus partners announced May 19 in Washington, D.C.
In related news, Grand Valley was recognized as a "Silver Campus" by the American College of Sports Medicine through its "Exercise is Medicine on Campus" initiative. Announced in April, the recognition notes colleges and universities that are making physical activity a standard, daily priority for their campus communities.
