The Fun1st Value
According to the World Health Organization 41 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in 2016. These overweight and obese children are largely concentrated in low-income neighborhoods. According to Dr. Lynn Silver of the NYC DOH, approximately 80% of children who were overweight by age 10-15, became obese by age 25. Obesity and diabetes is rising faster in NYC than nationally. New York City adults overall gained more than 10 million pounds over just a two-year period from 2002 to 2004.
From 2013 – 2018, Fun1st has served hundreds of students in Harlem alone. Our students come from a number of cultural, religious, and economical backgrounds. This diversity contributes to a growing community affected by preventable disease. With the growth in income disparity and the decrease in health alternatives, we strive to help educate students on the importance of creating healthy behaviors.
This program has been crucial in promoting health and wellness to inner city students. Fun1st programs promote positive academic achievements by raising self-confidence in and outside of school. Each student is an ambassador for healthy living, learning lessons that foster better futures.