Sault kids are going to be $525,000 healthier

NEWS RELEASES

DAVID ORAZIETTI, SAULT MPP

David Orazietti MPP is pleased to announce that Sault Ste. Marie has been chosen as one of 45 communities across Ontario to participate in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.

“Sault Ste. Marie being selected to participate in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge is great news for families in our community,” said Orazietti. “The commitment and collaboration of our local leaders in business, education and health have been an inspiration, and I look forward to seeing the difference this challenge will make in the lives of so many children.”

Sault Ste. Marie will receive up to $525,000 in provincial funding as well as a number of resources including training and marketing tools to support local programs. 

Over the next three years, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma Public Health and the Algoma Leadership Table will deliver local programs and activities to promote children’s health focusing on healthy eating, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices, such as the importance of getting adequate sleep.

A number of local health, education, recreation and local business organizations are partnering in the challenge.

To officially launch the Healthy Kids Community Challenge a ball hockey event with the Soo Greyhounds Hockey Team will take place on Saturday, January 23 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. on Queen Street in front of Essar Centre.

Encouraging kids to stay active and healthy is part of the government's plan to build a better Ontario through its Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, which provides patients with faster access to the right care; better home and community care; the information they need to live healthy; and a health care system that is sustainable for generations to come.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario is offering individual municipalities up to $1.5 million over four years to fund local community projects focused on promoting healthy living and eating for kids. 
• The Healthy Kids Community Challenge builds on steps the government has already taken to implement recommendations from the Healthy Kids Panel, including a 24-hour support line for breastfeeding moms and expanding Ontario’s Student Nutrition Program.
• In 2009, the economic cost associated with physical inactivity and unhealthy weight in Ontario was $4.5 billion.
• Supporting community-based activities to promote healthier living is a key recommendation of the Healthy Kids Panel report.

LEARN MORE

• Sault Ste. Marie Healthy Kids Community Challenge
• Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care

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