KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) – Changes implemented by Kearney Public
Schools have yielded a 13 percent decrease in student obesity in
recent years.
The district has been using a three-year grant from the U.S.
Department of Education to buy equipment, implement programs and
train teachers and staff. The goal is to increase students’
physical activity and nutrition.
Grant coordinator Cari Franzen told the Kearney Hub that the
small steps have created a healthier school environment.
A recent evaluation covering the past five years shows 14
percent of elementary students are still obese, but three
elementary schools have seen a 23 to 27 percent decrease in
obesity. Students at the secondary level haven’t made as much
progress, although there’s been no increase in the number of obese
students.