Fit & Fun© Program Summary

Fit & Fun©, a School to Community Physical Fitness and Nutrition Program, is a primary prevention

program developed by the Healthy Community Alliance to encourage children to eat healthy and be

physically active to prevent disease. Information is presented in a fun and simple way through age

appropriate activities that include:

the stories of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food”.

Discussion and sampling of fresh fruits and vegetables follows. This activity offers the opportunity for

children to try foods they might otherwise avoid.

and vegetables everyday and stickers are awarded for making healthy food choices during lunch each

day. Stickers are redeemed for prizes at the end of the 3 week program. They serve as an incentive for

students to try more fruits and vegetables.

and earn one “Fitness Buck” for every 10 minutes of physical activity during this 3 week program. This

activity culminates with a silent auction where students bid on a variety of sports equipment using their

accumulated “bucks”.

prizes in a variety of events such as basketball free throw, scooter races, hula hoop, jump rope, football

toss, and an obstacle course. This event encourages students to be creative and have fun when it comes

to exercise and physical activity.

snacks, and informational displays on physical activity and good nutrition provide a fun learning

opportunity for the whole family.

Program Objectives and How Impact Is Measured

Fit & Fun© educates and changes physical activity and eating behaviors in a positive way; it provides

opportunities for students, parents, and school staff to interact in ways that benefit all involved; and it

establishes a foundation for making healthy choices about fitness and nutrition at an earlier age.

By the end of this program, participants will:

1. Choose healthy food items 3 to 5 times per week.

2. Understand the connection between nutrition and health.

4. View good nutrition in a fun, positive way

5. Engage in physical activity at least 3 times per week.

6. Understand the importance of physical activity in maintaining good health by age 8.

7. View physical activity in a fun, positive way.

8. Receive information to educate and involve family members.

Each activity has its own evaluation component:

notes any behavior change; number of students who tried a new food.

students collecting stickers, and number of stickers per participant; pre and post survey notes

change in fruit and vegetable consumption; fruit and vegetable usage tracked by Food Service.

Fitness Bucks earned individually; notes whether individual activity levels increased, decreased

or stayed the same during the 3-week period; tracks number of steps when using step counters.

Participant survey distributed which asks questions about what was learned, favorite activity,

demonstration, and if they will make a lifestyle change.