Norwalk Hospital - Project LEAN (Learning with Energy from Activity and Nutrition)

What is it?

Project LEAN (Learning with Energy from Activity and Nutrition) is a city-wide collaborative between Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk Health Department, Jefferson Elementary School and Pepperidge Farm Corporation. The project aims to halt rising obesity among the community’s underserved children through an approach that improves attitudes, increases knowledge and keeps BMI gains below Centers for Disease Control-expected gains. A “Breakfast Club Boot Camp” starts the children’s day with a free nutritious breakfast served after 30 minutes of vigorous exercise. A registered dietitian brings nutrition education to the classroom with weekly interactive, hands-on lessons and activities. Family Nights involve the entire family in learning.

Who is it for?

Jefferson Elementary School students.

Why do they do it?

Statistics revealed that 51 percent of first-graders, 36 percent of second-graders, and 35 percent of third-graders were overweight or obese.

Impact

Students who have gone through the program have demonstrated a significant increase in their knowledge about good nutrition, leading to positive behavioral changes and lower BMI increases.

Contact: Joyce Bretherton
Development Associate
Telephone: 203-852-3297
E-mail: joyce.bretherton@norwalkhealth.org