Boston pushing for better nutrition, activity in childcare programs

As rates of obese and overweight children continue to skyrocket, Boston health officials are launching a new initiative aimed at childcare programs.

Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, today announced the Boston Healthy Childcare Initiative, a program of Boston Moves for Health  that promotes  physical activity and healthy nutrition among the city’s childcare programs.

Tomorrow Franklin Square House Children’s Center in Roxbury, Cribs & Cradles Family Child Care in Dorchester, and Small Fry Fun House Daycare, also in Roxbury, will be recognized as the city’s first programs to adopt the initiative’s “best practice standards,” according to health officials.

Menino’s Boston Moves for Health program was created in the hopes of improving the health and wellness of the city by increasing access to free and low-cost physical activities and healthy living resources.  Menino has challenged Bostonians to lose one million pounds and move ten million miles together.