The YMCA

In 2010, Rutgers conducted a study in Trenton, that found 3-5 year old Hispanic boys and 6-11 year old African American girls have the highest rates of obesity. Community meetings were held in the winter of 2010-11, where community members identified barriers towards healthy living. They broke into two groups: Physical Activity and Healthy Foods and together the groups brainstormed a preliminary plan and strategies to combat our rising obesity rates. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reached out to the YMCA and Isles with an opportunity to establish the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Trenton, whereby they would fund a project to reduce childhood obesity by 2015 through environmental and policy change. The focus was limited to the areas with the highest levels of obesity reported, which was identified as the North Ward.

CLICK HERE to learn how YMCA of Trenton works to combat childhood obesity.