St. Cloud Hospital/CentraCare Health - BLEND (Better Living: Exercise & Nutrition Daily)

What is it?

BLEND (Better Living: Exercise & Nutrition Daily) is a community-based coalition committed to improving the health of children by reducing the epidemic of childhood obesity. BLEND’s vision is to reduce BMI rates among area children by 10 percent by 2016. BLEND partners with schools, government agencies, local businesses and medical professionals to increase opportunities for daily physical activity and good nutritional choices. The project is funded by the CentraCare Health Foundation.

Who is it for?

Children and families in the greater St. Cloud area.

Why do they do it?

BLEND’s goal is to implement policy, systems and environmental changes to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Impact

BLEND’s initiatives have affected thousands of children and families. The “Walk at School” initiative reached more than 14,400 students. Surveys indicate that NuVal®, a food-scoring system implemented in local grocery stores and a school district, have changed the way families shop.

Contact: Jodi Gertken
BLEND Coordinator
Telephone: 320-251-2700, ext. 77526
E-mail: gertkenj@centracare.com