CT Kids Need a Healthy Start

Almost one-third of CT kids in kindergarten and 3rd grade are at an unhealthy weight.

In CT, the Healthy Kids CT Coalition, through funding from Voices for Healthy Kids, with over 20 state and local partner organizations, has been leading a campaign to build awareness, educate, and advocate for clear and consistent standards in early childcare settings. With almost one-third of students in kindergarten and 3rd grade at an unhealthy weight, these healthy standards will promote healthier eating habits by providing limits on sugar-sweetened beverages and easy access to water, promote active play time, and limit screen time and provide only high quality, educational viewing for children between 2 to 5 years of age.

During this past legislative session, “An Act Concerning Childhood Obesity,” failed to be voted on by the Senate and House, but not without much effort from coalition members and advocates through the American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure Network, Voices for Health Kids Action Center, and Mom’s Rising’s network, who shared social media messages and sent out letters to their legislators in support of this policy.

This important work continues as we plan for the next legislative session which begins in February. Currently, the Healthy Kids CT Coalition is working with Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood to incorporate these healthy standards into the state regulations for early child care settings, which will help solidify the work that many childcare providers across the state are already doing to create healthier environments for their students. The Healthy Kids CT Coalition continues to look for opportunities to expand their collaborative effort by connecting with partners and state and local entities who value effective policy and systems change to build healthier lives for children across CT.

If you’re interested in joining our coalition, or would like to learn more information about Healthy Kids CT, please contact Jessica Mahon at [email protected].