This summer in New York City, keep an eye out for the anti-ice cream truck encouraging kids to make healthy choices this summer.
Research performed by Ohio State University in conjunction with Indiana University shows elementary school aged children's body mass index grows twice as rapidly in the summer months. Public health officials postulate that during summer vacation, students spend more time snacking than they would in school. Furthermore, youth in low-income areas with less access to safe parks, costly camps or healthy food are at an increased risk.
Enter the New York City Food Bank's outreach campaign 'Change One Thing.' Its brightly colored truck is making appearances in various kid-populated places throughout the summer to raise awareness and change bad eating habits. One slogan in particular invited children to "grab a slice," but referred to oranges rather than pizza.
In an effort to honor young people making healthy choices, the Change One Thing campaign also involves a social media contest.
What's Driving This Trend
- Healthy Eating Campaigns
- Opportunity for businesses to develop marketing and outreach campaigns focused on healthy eating and nutrition education for children.
- Social Media Contests for Health Initiatives
- Opportunity for businesses to incorporate social media contests into health initiatives, encouraging young people to make healthy choices and rewarding them for doing so.
- Mobile Outreach Programs
- Opportunity for businesses to create mobile outreach programs that reach underserved communities with nutrition education and healthy eating resources.
Who This Affects Most
- Food and Beverage
- Opportunity for food and beverage companies to develop and market healthier snacks and meals for children.
- Healthcare
- Opportunity for healthcare providers to incorporate nutrition education into their services for children and families.
- Education
- Opportunity for educational institutions to incorporate nutrition education into their curriculums, especially during summer months when students are at a higher risk for weight gain.
