As school children get back to class in Lincoln, a Lincoln non-profit is resuming a health-centered program aimed at grade school kids.

Angie Stoltzenburg with the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Community Health Collaborative told Regional Radio News on the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, its CATCH program aims to provide lessons aimed at better nutritional habits as well as things the kids can do for better fitness routines.

According to Stoltzenburg, getting vigorous exercise is also part of the program. She indicates they try to gear the choices for kids in school to be healthy, whether it rewards or meals.

A popular lunch program in District 27 was interrupted in 2020 by COVID but Stoltzenburg explains this was a simple program that incorporated lots of fresh and whole foods into the cafeteria meals for kids. 

Data out of Logan County would suggest this should be a priority in the community. Stoltzenburg explains Logan County is the second most obese County in the State of Illinois.

Stoltzenburg indicates they have received a tremendous response from not only the students about this program but also the staff of District 27. She is very pleased things can resume as normal this year. She believes it is important to establish good habits and knowledge early in the kids.