Back to NPA Workgroup

The Nutrition and Physical Activity/Obesity Prevention Program
	Why Schools? Schools are where students spend a substantial portion of their time. They are also a major employer. The setting encompasses public and private schools, grades pre-K through 12, school-based pre-school and after-school programs, community colleges and four-year colleges and universities that reach children, youth, young adults, teachers, staff and family and community members who represent a variety of ethnic groups and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Students often consume three meals in the school setting by participating in the    school breakfast, lunch and after school programs. • According to the 2005 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey, about 27 percent of    Maryland high school students describe themselves as slightly or very overweight. • About 6 in every 10 Maryland high school students (63.9 percent) say they are    trying to lose or control their weight. • More than one fourth of Maryland high school students consume at least one    serving a day of milk, fruit, and fruit juices. • Compared to high school students nationwide, Maryland students exercise with less    frequency and intensity.
Purpose The School Implementation Workgroup is coordinating the strategies, action steps and evaluation components (current and proposed) to meet the Intermediate Objectives of the School Community Setting of the Maryland Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan.
Contact Information: Co-Chair Judy Dzimiera 410-807-1351 jdzimiera@msde.state.md.us Co-Chair Susan Gross sgrossphd@hotmail.com

Back to the Top