As an athlete driven organization, we understand the concept of teamwork. Just like any successful team, no one person can do everything. The same belief applies to solving the childhood obesity epidemic. Our solution was to find specific partners that specialize in areas outside of our core competency. When funding opportunities come up that are outside of our expertise we can bring in our primary partner organizations. The individuals that run Common Threads, Mindstream Academy and HOPSports are some of the most passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated people we know. We are proud to call them our partners and we hope you will explore their sites and support them as you do us.
Our partners at the USDA Food Nutrition Services are incredible. The people we work with every day are interested in the health of our children. They are in our schools and communities providing resources and solutions. Each year they continue to help more schools meet the criteria of the HealthierUS Schools Challenge. Simply put, they the good guys!!!
Schools
USDA- HealthierUS Schools Challenge
‘nPlay is one of two official non-profit partners the USDA has on the HealthierUS Schools Challenge. Working directly with USDA to help schools meet the criteria of the HealthierUS Schools Challenge is one of our primary focuses.
The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary initiative established in 2004 to recognize those schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity.
In February 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced Let’s Move!, incorporating the HealthierUS School Challenge into her campaign to raise a healthier generation of kids. At that time, monetary incentive awards became available for each HUSSC award level: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Award of Distinction.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/healthierus/index.html
Cooking Classes
Common Threads teaches low-income children to cook wholesome and affordable meals because we believe that through our hands-on cooking classes we can help prevent childhood obesity and reverse the trend of generations of non-cookers, while celebrating our cultural differences and the things people all over the world have in common.
Their mission is to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical well-being, and to foster an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking. We help bridge cultural boundaries and strengthen our global family by teaching children about their similarities and differences in the warm comfort of the kitchen: Through the simple process of preparing and sharing a nutritious meal, children who participate in their programs learn to connect with their bodies, their neighbors, and their world in bite-sized lessons.
Individual Child Health and Wellness Academy
MindStream is a fun, innovative co-ed boarding program where teens achieve healthy weight, get fit and build self-esteem by nurturing their Mind, Body, and Spirit. In this positive, safe and caring natural environment, we teach teens proven, healthy life-skills to handle the daily stress and triggers that have led to their unhealthy habits.
MindStream was designed to develop the skills needed to bring about true-life change for long-term health and wellness. MindStream stresses that to gain control over one’s life, the focus is healing the whole person, not just weight loss. And while each student comes with their own needs, goals and objectives, there is a common theme: they all want to move forward towards positive lifestyle change.
http://www.mindstreamacademy.com
Educational Content
HOPSports, Inc. is a global health and wellness network reaching classrooms, schools, homes, workplaces and community centers. This research based and cost-effective solution uses its innovative, digital platform to combine physical activity, education and entertainment.
HOPSports is a recognized leader in content aggregation including lessons presented by world-class athletes, doctors, nutritionists, and recognized celebrities. HOPSports’ alliance with some of the biggest sports and entertainment brands sets us apart from other physical education programs. The roster of presenters includes Olympians, Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes representing the NFL, NBA, and MLB, and National Governing Bodies- USA Cycling, USA Volleyball and USRowing.
