YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY WITH STACEY MCDANIEL
Child hunger is a serious and often under-reported problem in our country. In fact, one in six children in the U.S. struggle with food insecurity. This epidemic often hits hardest during summer months when kids are out of school. That’s why this year’s annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day, which promotes healthy habits in kids during summer, will have a special focus on nutrition. Joining us with some important information about this year’s Healthy Kids Day is Stacey McDaniel, child nutrition advocate and anti-hunger initiatives specialist for the YMCA.
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YMCAs in all 50 states (plus DC and Puerto Rico) will be celebrating Healthy Kids Day on April 21 for a fun celebration that will also bring attention to the epidemic of child hunger in the U.S. The Y’s Healthy Kids’ Day includes activities and games encourage physical activity and encourage reading and exploration, including a new art contest this year. To help raise awareness about the year-round epidemic of child hunger and highlight the importance of good nutrition, the Y and Walmart Foundation are kicking off a national call for youth art submissions for the Y’s ‘Child Hunger Is No Fairytale’ campaign. Stacey McDaniel, Anti-Hunger Initiatives Specialist at YMCA of the USA, previews the Y’s Healthy Kid’s Day Events and share some staggering – even shocking – statistics about child hunger.
In the U.S., millions of youth and teens (1 out of every 6) are struggling with “food insecurity.”That is when a child doesn’t have regular access to fresh food or proper nutrition so that their development is severely impacted. Studies show that kids can’t learn, grow, or reach their full potential on an empty stomach. That’s why—in partnership with Walmart Foundation—the Y has nearly 4,000 sites where children can receive a healthy meal and/or snack. In 2017, the Y served 476,000 kids more than 22,000,000 meals and snacks.
Related links: YMCA
