Physical Activity and Nutrition 
In south central Idaho, 62% of adults are overweight and 23% are obese. About 24% of adults do not participate in physical activity, and 77% do not eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Source: 2009 Idaho Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Idaho youth exhibit similar trends toward inactivity, poor eating habits, and being overweight. One out of every four preschool children is either overweight or at risk of being overweight. Only 54% of Idaho high school students are physically active for at least 60 minutes per day and only 19% of Idaho high school students eat fruits and vegetables five or more times per day. 12% of Idaho high school students are overweight.
Source: 2009 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Physical Activity and Nutrition Programs
Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Idaho/ HEAL Mini-Cassia
Genuine solutions to the challenging problem of obesity require the joint effort of partners and collaborators. Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Idaho is a voluntary network of organizations, agencies, businesses and individuals committed to creating an environment where all Idahoans have access to healthy food options and opportunities to be physically active to improve their health and well-being.
Through development of the HEAL Idaho Nutrition and Physical Activity Framework 2011-2013, HEAL Idaho members strive to create thriving communities where making the healthy choice is the easy choice.
HEAL Network members share information and access to resources through the HEAL Idaho website as well as regional meetings and an annual statewide summit. Through these web-based and group activities, members have access to:
Tools for grassroots organizing,
National, state and community–based educational offerings,
Funding resources and opportunities,
Calendar of upcoming member events and activities, and
New partnerships for leveraging services and programs.
Over the last year, a voluntary team of community members and businesses in the Rupert area have worked together to help make their community healthier. This team is called HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Living) Mini-Cassia.
HEAL Mini-Cassia's Vision is:
A community where individuals regularly engage in healthy eating and active living.
HEAL Mini-Cassia's Mission is:
A group of community members who work together to identify and implement opportunities for physical activity and better nutrition in order to reduce obesity.
Mini-Grants for Local Elementary Schools
In partnership with HEAL, South Central Public Health District is offering mini-grants to elementary schools in Minidoka County who demonstrate they can help make the healthy choice the easy choice by increasing access to nutritious foods or promoting physical activity.
Two schools were recently awarded mini-grants: St. Nicholas Catholic School and Acequia Elementary. St. Nicholas Catholic School will be using their mini-grant funding to purchase new playground and P.E. equipment (jelly balls, beach balls, yoga balls, and basketballs). Acequia Elementary will be using their mini-grant funding to purchase different colored vests/jerseys to be used during team sports games in P.E. In addition to purchasing their new equipment, both schools will be required to create and implement a policy and/or environmental change that will demonstrate how their project is sustainable.
Resources
Constructive Classroom Rewards
Promoting Healthy School Parties
AFHK’s Parents are the Power toolkit
English
Español
Links
Idaho Physical Activity and Nutrition
Fruits and Veggies: More Matters
Other Resources
Tips for Getting Kids to Eat Fruits and Vegetables
English
Español
Physical Activity Pyramid for Young Children
English
Español
Healthy Snacks for Healthy Kids
Tips for Parents At Home
English
Español