KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Those living in the Rosedale neighborhood are beginning a new initiative to reduce childhood obesity in the neighborhood.
It's called the Healthy Kids Initiative.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is helping fund the project to reduce childhood obesity.
The Rosedale Neighborhood Association is one of only 21 neighborhood programs to receive the Robert Wood Foundation grant.
"Fifty-one percent of our elementary school kids were overweight or obese in a recent study and that's shocking because that leads to long-term health problems," said Wendy Wilson, Co-Founder of the Healthy Kids Initiative.
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The initiative is a faith-based effort between the Rosedale Development Association and the Rosedale Ministerial Alliance.
It engages schools, churches, health organizations and community groups to get involved so the message blankets the neighborhood.
Jane Heide is also Co-Founder of the initiative and a Pastor in the Rosedale neighborhood.
"It will involve a lot of building of relationships and inspiring people to really care about the health and future of the children of Rosedale.
7 year-old Esthelia Garcia is one of the young members of the Healthy Kids Club.
Garcia said, "Being a healthy kid is something really important you should be every single day even if you're a grown up."
At least four gardens are being planted in the Rosedale neighborhood.
There are also plans to ask the Unified Government of Wyandotte County to improve sidewalks and parks so residents have more places to be active and enjoy.
There is also an effort to organize students to walk home from school with adult supervision.
Finally, during Healthy Kids Club meetings, students have cooking classes and exercise classes.
