Blumenthal, UConn Officials Kick Off "CT Moves IM" Project To Prevent Childhood Obesity By Announcing $2.5 Million Grant

(Meriden, CT) – Today at Roger Sherman Elementary School in Meriden, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and officials from the University of Connecticut kicked off the Connecticut Fitness and Nutrition Clubs In Motion or “CT Moves IM,” a National Institute of Food and Agriculture project that will aim to lower childhood obesity in children ages 9 to 14 by addressing health and wellness issues in 4-H afterschool clubs. Recently, the project received a five-year $2.5 million Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant. Such grants are awarded by the U.S. Department Agriculture. 

Blumenthal said, “This program will help stop the obesity epidemic sweeping Connecticut and the nation. Teaching students the importance of eating healthy and staying fit will reduce illness and wellness issues associated with being overweight. These students and teachers are pioneers and champions in the fight against obesity.” 

Murphy said, "Preventing childhood obesity and illness is a top priority in the state of Connecticut and I'm pleased that the federal government recognizes the value of encouraging active, healthy lifestyles among our young people. This grant will go a long way toward supporting efforts to ensure that Connecticut students embrace the importance of nutrition and the benefits of exercising, and it will help our students stay healthy and come to school ready to learn."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of children ages 6 to 11 in the United States who were obese increased from 7 percent in 1980 to 20 percent in 2008. During the same time period, adolescents ages 12-19 who were obese increased from 5 percent to 18 percent.

“CT Moves IM” will be launched at Roger Sherman Elementary School in Meriden and phased over a five-year period into schools in Danbury, Windham/Willimantic, Waterbury, and New Haven, with the potential to reach surrounding towns and cities. The project is the result of a collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut.

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