A Roundup of Healthy Holiday Tips and More
November 29, 2018
HOST members offer healthy holiday tips and more in our latest roundup of healthy eating and physical activity news.
News
New Tool Lets Out-of-School Programs Assess Progress Towards Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
November 9, 2018
HOST was created to develop evidence-based, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards -- and now the National AfterSchool Association is offering a new tool for out-of-school-time (OST) professionals and programs to assess how well they're meeting those standards.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, October 26, 2018
October 26, 2018
It's a special Halloween edition of our regular roundup of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, October 5, 2018
October 5, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Fun and Easy Fruit and Veggie Ideas for Healthy Kids
September 24, 2018
September is Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month. The National AfterSchool Association Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards, developed by HOST, recommend a fruit or vegetable at every snack or meal. We’re therefore pleased to share these fun ideas from Elizabeth Starr, a research associate at the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (a HOST member), who’s tested them all with her own kids!
Afterschool Webinar: Latest Strategies for Bringing Health & Wellness to OST
September 18, 2018
Research shows that parents want healthy options in out-of-school time. Adding fun activities, warm-ups, and healthy enrichment, as well as nutritious snacks and meals, is a great way to engage families and attract new students to your program. A webinar this week from several HOST members will introduce you to the newly refreshed National AfterSchool Association Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards (HEPA 2.0) and you'll leave with simple and inexpensive resources to make your afterschool and summer programming inclusive, active, healthy, and fun.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, September 14, 2018
September 14, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, August 24, 2018
August 24, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity for End of Summer and Back-to-School
August 14, 2018
Students are already back to school in some districts, while others are on vacation through Labor Day. Regardless of where you are, here are some tips to help the children you know take part in healthy eating and physical activity.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, July 26, 2018
July 26, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Most Afterschool Programs Offer Fruits and Vegetables, Following HOST-Developed Standards
July 16, 2018
Most afterschool programs in the U.S. offer fruits and vegetables to children, and doing so is associated with membership in the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) and awareness of its Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards, which were developed by HOST.
HOST Members Recognized for Leadership in Research and Evaluation
June 29, 2018
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), a HOST member and the lead organization for the advancement of the afterschool professional, has recognized two other HOST members among the NAA’s Most Influential in Research and Evaluation for 2018. Honorees are distinguished for their contributions to research and evaluation on youth and adolescent development.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, June 15, 2018
June 15, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, May 24, 2018
June 1, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, May 14, 2018
May 14, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, May 2, 2018
May 2, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Celebrates Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week
April 24, 2018
It's Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, so here are some resources and ideas from several HOST members to help you celebrate.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, April 9, 2018
April 9, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, March 29, 2018
March 29, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
New Training Videos for Implementing Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards
March 20, 2018
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is celebrating the fourth anniversary of its Commit to Health campaign with a new toolkit of resources! It includes nine new training videos on implementing the National Afterschool Association's Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards, developed by HOST.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, March 14, 2018
March 14, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Members Celebrate National School Breakfast Week
March 7, 2018
It's National School Breakfast Week, and several HOST members are sharing information, ideas, and success stories.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, March 2, 2018
March 2, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Member BOKS' Exercise Program Has Positive Impact on Student Health
February 15, 2018
The New York Times yesterday reported on the positive impact of the before-school physical activity program from HOST member BOKS (Build Our Kids Success).
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, February 8, 2018
February 8, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
$25,000 Grants Available for Out-of-School Time Programs
January 30, 2018
The National Recreation and Park Association, a HOST member, has announced the availability of grant funds from the Walmart Foundation to support children's health through park and recreation out-of-school-time programs.
Grants in 2018 will focus on three main goals:
- Increasing the number of healthy meals children receive through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) or the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during out-of-school times;
- Providing evidence-based nutrition literacy to children and families that creates behavior change, including increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; and
- Implementing healthy living practices and policies aligned with the evidence-based healthy eating and physical activity standards that increase access to healthier foods and support a healthy environment.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a local government agency (e.g., municipal park and recreation department, tribal recreation department, park district, community services department, etc.)
- Serve meals/snacks through the SFSP and/or the CACFP or NSLP in 2018
- Have not received funding from NRPA for a previous healthy out-of-school time grant
Applications are due at 11:59PM EST on Friday, March 16, 2018 and must be submitted online. NRPA anticipates funding twenty (20) local park and recreation agencies with one-year, $25,000 grants.
Learn more and apply!
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, January 28, 2018
January 29, 2018
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
New Year, More Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
January 16, 2018
It's a new year, and HOST members are offering ways to make--and keep--resolutions for healthy eating and physical activity.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, December 22, 2017
December 22, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, December 14, 2017
December 14, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Roundup, Thanksgiving 2017 Edition
November 20, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, October 19, 2017
November 1, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Join Us for Healthy Out-of-School Time Webinars
November 1, 2017
Please join us at either or both of two upcoming free webinars, led by HOST Coalition organizations and members. All who are interested are welcome!
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, October 6, 2017
November 1, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, September 27, 2017
October 4, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, September 11, 2017
October 4, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, August 12, 2017
October 4, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, July 28, 2017
October 4, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, July 14, 2017
October 4, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Healthy Summer Tips and Ideas from HOST Members
October 4, 2017
Summer is here, and HOST members are ready with a variety of healthy eating and physical activity tips, actions, and information.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, June 2, 2017
October 4, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Letter to Congress to Support Funding for Healthy Out-of-School-Time Programs
October 4, 2017
HOST Coalition members: Please consider signing your organization to our letter to obtain Congressional appropriations leadership in support of funding for programs that help out-of-school-time programs provide healthy eating and physical activity to students.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, May 4, 2017
October 4, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Is Celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week
April 24, 2017
It's Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, and HOST is celebrating all of the professionals who help out-of-school-time programs make a difference in children's lives!
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, April 24, 2017
April 24, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Children's Improved Physical Activity, Eating Habits Influence Whole Family
April 7, 2017
How does children's participation in a before-school physical activity program impact their families? A new study of one HOST member shines some light on the answer.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, April 6, 2017
April 6, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Members Among Most Influential in Health & Wellness
April 3, 2017
Several HOST members have been named among the most influential individuals and organizations in health and wellness by the National AfterSchool Association (NAA).
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, March 17, 2017
March 17, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
BOKS Founder Shares How We Can Revolutionize Kids' Lives Through Physical Activity
March 13, 2017
Kathleen Tullie, CEO of HOST member BOKS (Build Our Kids' Success), recently gave a TEDx talk on the "pandemic" of physical inactivity.
Come to National AfterSchool Association Convention for HEPA Resources, Tips
March 9, 2017
The National AfterSchool Association's Annual Convention in Dallas, March 19-22, will feature more than 25 dedicated workshops on healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA), along with group training workouts, a learning expo with exhibitors sharing HEPA products and services, and more!
Texas Looks to Out-of-School Time to Improve Youth Health
March 7, 2017
Texas ranks seventh highest among all states in adolescents that are overweight and obese, with a 2011 youth obesity rate of 20 percent. But with more than 880,000 Texas youth in out-of-school time (OST) programs, according to the Afterschool Alliance, OST providers have the potential to impact children's healthy eating and physical activity. A new study has shown how they are doing so, what more they can do, and how a pending bill could help.
National Recreation and Park Association Celebrates Success with HEPA Standards
February 28, 2017
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is celebrating three years of its Commit to Health initiative -- a national campaign encouraging implementation of the National Afterschool Association's Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards, developed by the HOST Coalition, at 2,000 local park and recreation sites.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, February 22, 2017
February 22, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Keep Moving: The Power of Physical Activity Before School and the Impact on Children, Youth and Families
February 16, 2017
Physical activity has been shown to enhance learning, concentration, memory and mood, positioning children to be better learners--but how can educators fit it in at school while also adhering to academic accountability standards?
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, February 2, 2017
February 2, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
New Infographic Helps Find Physical Activity Resources, Grants, and More
January 24, 2017
Looking for physical education and activity resources, programs, professional development, grants, training, and technical assistance for your school, district, or afterschool programs? Check out the new, interactive Let's Move! Active Schools infographic that helps you find them.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, 1/17/2017
January 17, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Roundup, 1/4/17
January 4, 2017
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Healthy Out-of-School Time Holiday Tips
December 21, 2016
It's holiday time, and several HOST members are sharing ways to make the season active and healthy!
HOST Member BOKS Featured on Today Show
December 16, 2016
A recent Today show segment featured HOST member BOKS (Build Our Kids' Success), which offers children a before-school physical activity program. And a new study of BOKS' before-school physical activity program has also found correlations between BOKS activity and improvement of specific executive functions in first- and second-grade children.
HOST HEPA Roundup, December 9, 2016
December 9, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST HEPA Roundup, December 2, 2016
December 2, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Healthy Thanksgiving Ideas from HOST Members
November 25, 2016
Thanksgiving is upon us, and HOST members have ideas for making the holiday a healthy and active one.
HOST HEPA Roundup, November 18, 2016
November 18, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Success Stories
- A grant from the Chicago Cubs' Cubs Charities helped Action for Healthy Kids work with eight Chicago Public Schools and nearly 3,400 students to hold one-mile fun runs/walks. Many also offered healthy snacks for runners and some coupled the runs with school-wide health fairs for students and families.
- The Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project of the Pew Charitable Trusts, profiles James A. Cawood Elementary School in Kentucky, where more than 8 in 10 students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. A kitchen equipment grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a new combi oven has helped improve the quality and efficiency of food preparation, which in turn has helped boost academic performance.
- Share Our Strength reports on how Salk Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona, worked with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program to pilot a breakfast in the classroom program.
- The National League of Cities recognized more than 30 cities and counties, and three local leaders, for their efforts to improve nutrition and increase physical activity in their communities through Let's Move! Cities, Towns and Counties, a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Initiative.
- Alliance for a Healthier Generation has compiled "15 Inspiring Local Stories from 2016" on the power of healthy out-of-school time.
Research
- Youth Today writes of a new report from the Center for Promise showing how fear and stress can be obstacles to health for youth of color.
New Report Examines Impact of State Policy on Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
November 14, 2016
A new report from RTI International examines an emerging trend that uses state policy to promote healthy eating and physical activity in afterschool and other out-of-school-time (OST) programs. Based on stakeholder interviews and state case studies, the authors conclude that the state policy approach holds significant promise if it avoids creating unfunded mandates.
HOST HEPA Roundup, November 8, 2016
November 8, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
New, Free Professional Development Resource for Out-of-School Time Physical Activity
November 3, 2016
A new, free professional development resource, After School Gets Moving, offers a media-based professional development intervention for afterschool practitioners.
HOST HEPA Roundup, October 7, 2016
October 7, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST HEPA Roundup, October 4, 2016
October 4, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Success Stories
September 23, 2016
Healthy eating and physical activity are not always easy to achieve, but these organizations, programs, and schools are showing how it can be done.
HOST HEPA Roundup, September 16, 2016
September 16, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Tweetchat: How Out-of-School Programs Could Affect #Latinohealth
September 9, 2016
Please join the National AfterSchool Association and SaludToday for a #SaludTues Tweetchat at 1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, September 13, on "How Out-of-Schools Programs Can Impact #LatinoHealth."
HOST HEPA Roundup, August 31, 2016
August 31, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HEPA Standards Having an Impact
August 23, 2016
In 2010-11, HOST created evidence-based, healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA) standards for children in grades K-12 attending out-of-school-time programs. Known as the National AfterSchool Association HEPA Standards, they have been disseminated to tens of thousands of out-of-school time professionals and supporters -- and are having an impact, as these stories show.
Healthy Success Stories
August 12, 2016
The Olympics are this week, representing for some the pinnacle of athletic success. Here are some stories by HOST members that show many other types of success related to physical activity and healthy eating.
Workshop on Summertime Opportunities to Promote Child and Adolescent Education and Health Outcomes
August 5, 2016
You're invited to this upcoming workshop, hosted in partnership with a number of national colleagues.
HOST HEPA Roundup, August 1, 2016
August 1, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST HEPA Roundup, July 20, 2016
July 20, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST HEPA Roundup, July 11, 2016
July 11, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST HEPA Roundup, June 24, 2016
June 24, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Members Start Summer Right
June 16, 2016
HOST members are sharing ideas and insights on ways to have a healthy and active summer.
HOST HEPA Roundup, June 6, 2016
June 6, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST HEPA Roundup, May 25, 2016
May 25, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Celebrating National Fitness and Sports Month
May 18, 2016
May is National Fitness and Sports Month, and HOST members have lots of ways to celebrate.
HOST HEPA Roundup, May 2, 2016
May 2, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST HEPA Roundup, April 21, 2016
April 21, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Funding Opportunities for Programs Supporting Healthy Out-of-School Time
April 5, 2016
Several different federal departments are offering funding for programs supporting healthy out-of-school time. HOST members have recently shared information about some of them, so take a look!
HOST HEPA Roundup, March 30, 2016
March 30, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Advancing Healthy Out-of-School Time: Reaching New Standards
March 25, 2016
Georgia Hall, a senior research scientist at the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST), spoke recently at the National AfterSchool Association's annual convention about the HOST Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards.
HOST HEPA Roundup, March 14, 2016
March 14, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
Celebrating National School Breakfast Week
March 7, 2016
It's National School Breakfast Week, and HOST members are sharing information, ideas, and success stories.
Upcoming HOST Member Conferences and Conference Calls
February 26, 2016
HOST members are sponsoring several conferences and informational conference calls in the coming weeks. We hope you'll join in to network and build your professional skills.
HOST HEPA Roundup, February 16, 2016
February 16, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Members Respond to New Child Nutrition Bill
January 29, 2016
The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee on January 20 unanimously approved the bipartisan Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act of 2016, which would provide a five-year reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act and govern the national school lunch and breakfast programs. It now heads to the Senate floor. Several HOST members have offered their insights on the bill.
HOST HEPA Roundup, January 19, 2016
January 19, 2016
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
HOST Members Look Back and Ahead
January 8, 2016
It's the start of a new year, and HOST members are both looking back at the best moments of 2015 and looking ahead to what 2016 will bring.
HOST HEPA Roundup, December 15, 2015
December 15, 2015
The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.
