Neb. school district combats student obesity Changes implemented by Kearney Public Schools have yielded a 13 percent decrease in student obesity in recent years.
The district has been using a three-year grant from the U.S.
Department of Education to buy equipment, implement programs and
train teachers and staff. The goal is to increase students'
physical activity and nutrition.
Grant coordinator Cari Franzen told the Kearney Hub that the
small steps have created a healthier school environment.
A recent evaluation covering the past five years shows 14 percent of elementary students are still obese, but three elementary schools have seen a 23 to 27 percent decrease in obesity.
Students at the secondary level haven't made as much progress, although there's been no increase in the number of obese students.
The district will continue the program through May.
