Afterschool programs can help tackle the growing problem of childhood illness in our nation’s children caused by a lack of opportunity to exercise, food insecurity, stress, anxiety, depression, and a lack of knowledge regarding nutrition and wellness. These studies point to the programs’ potential power to
- promote the general health, fitness, and wellness of young people by keeping them active,
- promoting healthy habits,
- creating a safe, judgment-free environment, and
- providing healthy snacks.
Students learn to make better choices and increase their physical activity, as well as their knowledge of nutrition and health practices. This leads to improved self-image.
Because all of our members receive free/reduced school meals the Club offers a daily nutritious snack to all our children when they arrive at the club. During our summer camps, we partner with the JC School Nutrition Service to provide lunch and breakfast.