Young children today have such nimble fingers that they can easily spin a dial on a TV or DVD player.  But they’re less able to run, jump, tumble, and balance than children were a few decades ago.  While their “fine motor skills” are developing in a healthy way, their “gross motor skills” are not.  

At the same time, child obesity is on the rise, with one out of every five children ages 2 – 5 either overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. 

Part of our ongoing efforts to fight childhood obesity is helping families choose water over other sugary drinks for their children. Check out our partner’s website for “Potter the Otter” for more information and fun children’s activities related to water’s importance:

http://www.potterloveswater.com/index.html

FIRST 5 Mendocino is meeting these Nutrition & Fitness challenges through:

• SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids)is an innovative physical activity program that has been honored as an "Exemplary Program" by the U.S. Department of Education. SPARK is based on years of research, and it's also lots of fun for both children and adults. Since Fall 2006, we've trained more than 200 local child care providers in SPARK.
• Food for All Mendocino:Over 15% of the population in Mendocino County is experiencing hunger. Less than half the population that is eligible for food stamps is currently enrolled. Food For All Mendocino, a newly formed community-based coalition, aims to reduce hunger, promote food stamp enrollment, and ensure that the children of Mendocino County have affordable and nutritious food.
  Call 707-46-BREAD (county-wide bilingual food hotline) to get more information about any food related programs
• Grants: In 2006, nearly $130,000 was awarded to 27 local organizations and child care providers.  Click here for a list of Nutrition & Fitness grants.

NUTRITION & FITNESS PARTNERS:  Consolidated Tribal Health Project, Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency (Public Health Branch), Mendocino County Office of Education, North Coast Opportunities (Head Star)t, Pinoleville Head Start, and Ukiah Unified School District.  Funding comes from FIRST 5 Mendocino and North Coast Nutrition and Fitness Collaborative, and the State of California.