Afterschool programs are helping young people get enough physical activity and providing nutritious snacks, keeping kids active and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Close to 16 percent of U.S. children ages 6-19 are overweight, and another 15 percent are at risk of becoming overweight. Additionally, in 2012 more than 1 in 5 children under the age of 18 lived in poverty and were exposed to hunger. This section covers the variety of ways afterschool programs can—and do—play an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles for youth.