Solid Ground Washington, a CAA, launched an innovative pilot project to address obesity and poor nutrition among low-income school children and youth in Washington State. Almost one in four children, grades eight through twelve, are obese or overweight in the state. The CAA targeted children who have limited access to positive health and fitness information, as well as those who are at increased risk for obesity or poor nutrition.

The pilot project provided 4,000 hours of on-site nutrition and fitness education during the school day and after-school. Through the pilot project the CAA served 1,500 school children. The agency also organized family-oriented food and fitness activities with community organizations outside of the schools.

CSBG funds were used as leverage for Basic Food Nutrition Education Program matching funds. In addition to this, the agency also received a competitive CSBG innovation award from the State for $15,000 to pay for salaries, wages, and supplies for a project manager to run the program.

In order to provide the highest impact possible, the CAA researched and identified a community-based nutrition and fitness curriculum. The CAA took this curriculum to students in coordination with the school-based Seattle Nutrition Action Consortium. In addition, it recruited, trained and placed seven Washington Service Corps volunteers at the school sites. Teachers, principals and the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) also helped with school-specific nutrition and fitness plans, and developed customized activities.

To measure their effectiveness, Solid Ground Washington developed indicators of positive behavioral change and evaluative tools. They then monitored service outputs. This information will help the CAA track progress, as well as continue to improve the program in the future.

Data sources

• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2007 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2009 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2007 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2009 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• Food Research and Action Center.