Research tells a bleak story of U.S. children and youth with unmet mental health needs (anxiety, depression, eating disorders, etc.). One-in-five children and adolescents experiences a mental health condition in a given year. One-in-ten high school students attempted suicide one or more times during the past year. And 59% of youth with major…

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the Health Eating Active Living (HEAL) United Curriculum and how HEAL United is leveraging their advocacy efforts to help K-12 students in Alabama live healthier lives.

This report responds to the requirement of PL 110-246 to assess the effectiveness of state and local efforts to directly certify children for free school meals. Direct certification is a process conducted by the states and by local educational agencies (LEAs) to certify eligible children for free meals without the need for household applications.…

The Alabama Champions for Healthy, Active Schools is a state-wide wellness initiative for grades K-12 that utilizes the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. A champion school is encouraged to provide 60 minutes of physical activity throughout the academic day; provide nutritious meals, nutritious smart snacks, and nutrition…

The start of kindergarten signifies the beginning of elementary school and everything that may come with it: a new building, new teachers, new expectations, and a different routine and culture. These new students transition into kindergarten from different settings, bringing with them a variety of assets and experiences. From a holistic…