A three-year project combining exercise, nutrition education and family involvement is underway at Mitchell Boulevard Elementary in Southeast Fort Worth. The goal is to reduce the rate of overweight and obesity of participating third grade students at Mitchell Boulevard Elementary by at least five percent by 2009, as measured by body fat, waist circumference and body mass index (ratio of weight to height).

The project was organized and funded by United Way in partnership with the University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health and the JPS Health Network Department of Family Medicine.

Mitchell Boulevard Elementary School is in a low-income area that has some of the county’s highest levels of obesity. Overweight and obesity are closely linked to type 2 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically in children and adolescents nationally.

Participating students will learn about proper nutrition and take part in physical activity during the school day. Through regular meetings, parents will learn about proper nutrition and physical activity. They will be encouraged to choose healthy foods and food portion sizes for all family members. They also will be encouraged to become more physically active as a family. A school staff advisory council and a parent support group will guide the program.

Nonprofits, businesses and faith-based organizations in the neighborhood are being recruited to provide support and incentives. For example, the YMCA’s McDonald Branch has agreed to sponsor events that participants may attend free.

The rate of overweight and obesity of participating Mitchell Boulevard Elementary students will be compared to that of third graders at Maude I. Logan Elementary School, a similar school not participating in the nutrition and physical activity aspects of the program.

Mitchell Boulevard Elementary School began its FitFuture™ childhood obesity project with an evening of active fun. After a FitFuture™ pep rally, the children enjoyed hula hoops, jump ropes, relay races, a bounce house and golf, among other things.

The project at Mitchell Boulevard Elementary School is part of FitFuture™ Tarrant County, an aggressive, communitywide effort to stop the epidemic of obesity and overweight. Founded by United Way in 2004, FitFuture™ Tarrant County now has many community partners working in five key areas: business, faith-based, governments, schools and health care.