Authored by Reeve Chace, MPH
A select list of Maine schools, after-school programs, and child care programs is being recognized for offering healthy food and recreational opportunities for students.
The award was presented to those organizations that met five Priority Strategies established in connection with Let’s Go!, a program of The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center:
- Provide healthy choices for snacks and celebrations, and limit unhealthy choices
- Provide water and low-fat milk and limit or eliminate sugary beverages
- Provide non-food rewards
- Provide opportunities for children to get physical activity every day
- Limit recreational screen time
Three levels of recognition — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — were presented, using the following criteria:
Gold Level
- All 5 Let’s Go! priority strategies included in recipient’s written policy
- Written policy enforced (verified by a signed statement from a principal or director)
Silver Level
- All 5 Let’s Go! priority strategies implemented
- Between 1 and 4 of the priority strategies included in written policy
- Written policy enforced (verified by a signed statement from a principal or director)
Bronze Level
- All 5 Let’s Go! priority strategies implemented
In addition, health care locations are also being recognized as Sites of Distinction. These providers committed to the three components of a Let’s Go! health care site:
- Providing consistent 5-2-1-0 messaging in offices
- Calculating BMI for all patients aged 2 and older
- Using the 5-2-1-0 questionnaire to have a respectful conversation about weight with their patients
“These organizations have made a commitment to improving the health of Maine children,” says Victoria Rogers, MD, Let’s Go! program director. “By providing healthier food options and encouraging more activity, they’re making a difference in the lives and futures of our state’s youngest population.”
Visit our pages below to see Let’s Go!’s Sites of Distinction for each setting: