Studies show that healthy, active children learn better, perform better academically and experience fewer behavioral problems.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published a new School Meal Flexibility Rule that will weaken nutrition standards aimed at reducing sodium and increasing whole grains for meals provided under the USDA's National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Food is the one afterschool and summer learning program component necessary for survival. Food security is something we deal with daily.

The National Institute on Out-of-School Time and RTI International recently released "Monitoring the Uptake of National AfterSchool Association Physical Activity Standards."

Out-of-school time (OST) programs serve more than 10 million young people per year, which provides a significant opportunity to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Until fairly recently, however, the field has lacked a comprehensive set of operationalizable standards for healthy eating and physical activity (Childhood Obesity 2012).

Afterschool programs have significant potential to promote healthy eating and physical activity for the 10.2 million US children they serve, according to a new volume of New Directions for Youth Development (NDYD) focused on health and afterschool.

Looking to help youth get on a pathway to living a healthy, active lifestyle? The National Afterschool Association and the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation are here to help!