NWCDC grant to make kids healthier Chronicle Staff Report

Northwest Child Development Centers (NWCDC), Inc. is launching a program to increase healthy eating and physical activity among the Center’s kids and staffers.

The Center’s Kids Eat Smart Move More program was jumpstarted by a $10,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services.

NWCDC has partnered with Gramercy Research Group, Winston-Salem State University, the Gateway YWCA and a Lowes Foods corporate nutritionist to implement the program, which includes:

•  “Movin’ and Groovin’” at NWCDC’s MudPies, a program to increase daily physical activity;

• “Party in my Tummy!,” to introduce children, staff and families to healthy eating; and

• “Making it Stick,” a formal policy adoption process to reinforce the Center’s implementation.

“This award attests to Northwest Child Development Center’s commitment to our children’s well-being and development,” said Dr. Tony Burton, CEO of NWCDC. “But the impact of this intervention program is far reaching beyond these children. Their families, our staff, our business partners will benefit from this award. And these children’s future will forever be changed by what they learn through this program.”

NWCDC is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1970 to support families by helping them meet the developmental needs of their children from infancy through school-age. It is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors that consists of private and public citizens, and parents of Forsyth, Davie and Stokes counties. NWCDC has the capacity to service 700 children and families in community child care centers.