PEMBROKE — Renfrew County will be participating in The Healthy Kids Community Challenge delivering local programs and activities that will support children and youth to be more active and healthy.
Over the next four years, Renfrew County and 44 other selected communities will receive resources from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care including funding, training, guidance and social marketing tools to help promote healthy eating, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices for children and youth.
This new program is a key part of Ontario’s Healthy Kids Strategy. The strategy is a cross-government initiative launched to promote children’s health focusing on: healthy start, healthy food, and healthy active communities.
“This funding will make a direct and long-lasting impact on the health and well-being of children and youth in our communities,” said Whitewater Region Township Reeve Don Rathwell, who is Chair of Social Services Committee for the county. “I look forward to working with all our partners to make positive change happen.”
Dr. Maureen Carew, officer of health for the Renfrew County Health Unit, said, “Obesity and being overweight are common disorders affecting about 25 per cent of youth aged 12-17 years in Ontario. In Renfrew County and district, this rate is even higher at 35 per cent. Through the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, Renfrew County and District Health Unit will continue to work with our community partners to promote healthy living with a goal of improving behaviours such as healthy eating and physical activity among children and youth living in Renfrew County.”
County of Renfrew Warden Peter Emon echoed these comments with, “The Healthy Kids Community Challenge funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care allows vital programming and education to reach out into or communities. This funding ensures that babies get the best start in life, it helps families make informed and healthier food choices, and it brings focus on physical activity and the importance of good rest for children and youth.“
The application for funding was submitted in March by the key partner organizations comprised of the County of Renfrew, Renfrew County and District Health Unit, and the City of Pembroke. The funding of $1.1 million divided over four years will have a county wide positive effect on the lives of children and youth.
