Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) is an integrated, national-state initiative that is addressing the epidemic of overweight, undernourished, and sedentary youth by focusing on changes in the school environment.  The mission of AFHK is to improve children's nutrition and physical activity in schools by collaborating with diverse stakeholders in advocating, promoting, and implementing national, state, and local initiatives.

AFHK is a national organization with 501c3 status, headquarters in Washington D.C. and Chicago, and active State Teams in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The goals developed by the Mississippi State Team are:

• Provide all children, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, with quality daily physical education that helps develop the knowledge, attitudes, skills, behaviors, and confidence needed to be physically active for life.
• Provide students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with behavior-focused nutrition education integrated into the curriculum that is interactive and teaches the skills they need to adopt healthy eating habits.
• Ensure that healthy snacks and foods are provided in vending machines, school stores, and other venues within the school's control.

You can bring about change in Mississippi by adding your expertise to this vital effort.
For more information about joining the Mississippi Team log onto www.actionforhealthykids.org. or contact Doris Schneider, Chair, MS Action for Healthy Kids at dschneider@mde.k12.ms.us

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