Precor Grant Supports the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Efforts to Curb Childhood Obesity

Precor Grant Supports the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Efforts to Curb Childhood Obesity

YMCA of Greater Nashua received a $3,000 grant from Precor to support efforts to help children in their community live healthier lives through the implementation of the Y’s Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards in early childhood and afterschool programs.  Adopting these standards is part of the Y’s commitment to first lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America to help curb childhood obesity.

“As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y takes its responsibility seriously, by helping those most in need,” said Mike LaChance. “YMCAs are one of the largest providers of early childhood and afterschool programs in the nation. Now, by adopting standards that will help our kids make better food and activity choices, we strive to be the healthiest.”

YMCA of Greater Nashua served over 10,000 children in their various programs last year. 

All early childhood and afterschool programs are implementing the HEPA standards, which include:  

·        Establishing a minimum of expected physical activity for children of different ages enrolled in Y programs;

·        Defining food and beverages offerings, including designating water as the primary beverage during snack times and offering fruits and vegetables as snack options;

·        Limiting the amount of screen time  (watching TV, playing video games, and using computers);

·        Encouraging breastfeeding of infants in the Y’s care; and

·        Committing Ys to conducting parent education to encourage healthy behaviors at home.

“This Precor grant allowed us to meet HEPA guidelines and to keep the youngest of our members safely away from playtground equipment at the Merrimack Y that wasn’t safe or appropriate for their age. We were pleased to use these funds to have a fence installed that allowed them to have free outdoor play and exercise while keeping them safe.  Thanks to funding from Precor, we were able to achieve this,” LaChance continued.

“Like the Y, Precor believes that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, our neighbors, and our community,” said Paul Byrne, President. “By collaborating, we have a greater potential to help more people make positive lifestyle choices.”

The YMCA of Greater Nashua is one of 50 YMCAs to receive a grant from Precor as part of the $300,000 gift to YMCA of the USA, the resource office for the nation’s YMCAs, to support the implementation of the HEPA standards in YMCA early childhood and afterschool programs.  Locally the funding will be used to support infrastructure opportunities such as purchasing supplies and equipment, and staff trainings that can help the YMCA to provide a healthy sustainable environment in an early childhood or afterschool site.

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The YMCA of Greater Nashua has been serving the Southern New Hampshire community for 125 years. The mission of the Y is to instill values and provide opportunities for lifelong personal growth and the development of a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.Over 300 programs and services are offered annually to engage those of all ages and abilities in activities that promote good health, strong families, youth development and a sense of community. 

The YMCA of Greater Nashua consists of the Nashua YMCA, the Merrimack YMCA, and our Camp Sargent day camp. Last year they served over 27,000 children, adults and seniors.

  www.nmymca.org