JUNIOR LEAGUE KIDS IN THE KITCHEN PROJECT

ADDRESSES CHILDHOOD OBESITY

The Junior League of Long Island, along with 230 Junior Leagues around our international network, is participating in the Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen initiative to address the issues surrounding childhood obesity and poor nutrition.

In response to alarming statistics that an increasingly large percentage of children and adolescents in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight, the Junior League launched the initiative in 2006 with a new website, http://kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org/  and activities taking place in over 225 communities during Volunteer Week, April 23-29, 2006. Leagues hosted events in their communities, which provided materials and educational initiatives to help families address the urgent issues of poor nutrition and childhood obesity. In its first year, media coverage reached over 80 million people with messages about the issues surrounding childhood obesity and the Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative. In its second year, over 255 Junior Leagues participated with activities focused on National Nutrition Month (March) in the U.S. and Canada. Media coverage reached over 120 million people.

For over 106 years, The Junior League has been committed to childhood and family nutrition and KITK continues this tradition by addressing the issue of childhood obesity. Continuing in the footsteps of Junior League founder, Mary Harriman, Leagues design Kids in the Kitchen programs that provide children the necessary tools for making nutritious eating choices. Leagues distribute child-friendly information and recipes on the subject of healthy eating and nutrition to children and parents in their communities. Leagues also involve children in hands-on lessons that teach them how to select and prepare healthy meals and snacks that are both tasty and affordable.

Please take a moment a look at our PHOTO ALBUM which highlights this year's event!