News Medical – Staff Writer
“Afterschool programs are emerging as an effective tool in the nation’s ongoing battle against childhood obesity, according to a national household survey conducted by Shugoll Research for the Afterschool Alliance. The special report released today, Kids on the Move: Afterschool Programs Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity, reveals parents’ views about the role afterschool programs play in improving kids’ health and physical fitness. Findings are based on responses collected for America After 3PM from 30,000 U.S. households, including in-depth interviews with more than 13,000 parents and guardians. Most parents (72 percent) report that their child’s afterschool program provides children with beverages, snacks and/or meals, and 81 percent of these parents are satisfied that the food served is healthy. In addition, 80 percent of parents agree that afterschool programs should offer opportunities for physical activity and 80 percent of parents with a child in an afterschool program report that the program does just that. Eighty-four percent of those parents say they are satisfied with both the amount and the variety of physical activity offered.”(more)