According to RI Kids Count, 20% of RI children ages 6-19 were overweight in 2001. In addition, Black adolescent girls are twice as likely a their White counterparts to be overweight.
The Girls Fitness & Nutrition Program addresses the rising incidence of pediatric obesity in Providence by offering its participants a supportive environment in which they develop health knowledge, self-confidence, and healthy lifestyle habits that endure beyond their participation in the program. Weekly program sessions include:
- Nutrition Education – Participants and volunteers explore balanced, appealing, and culturally-appropriate food options through a curriculum of games, field trips, discussions, and hands-on food preparation activities.
- Physical Activity – Recognizing that traditional sports are often intimidating to overweight girls, each program session incorporates an alternative exercise activity. These have included, among others, swimming, African and hip-hop dance, and yoga.
- Mentoring – With volunteers’ support, participants record their personal goals and track their accomplishments in healthy eating and exercise. Individual relationships between each girl and her volunteer mentor promote girls’ self-confidence and help them translate program curriculum into healthy habits.