Wellness in the Schools (WITS) inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness and fitness as a way of life for kids in public schools. Through meaningful public/private partnerships with school leadership, teachers, chefs, coaches, parents and kids, WITS develops and implements programs that provide healthy foods, healthy environments and opportunities for regular play to help kids learn and grow. WITS programs serve approximately 40,000 public school children across New York City and in partnership locations. Cook for Kids
In partnership with local departments of education, WITS operates the Cook for Kids programs in public school cafeterias and classrooms to promote healthy eating and combat childhood obesity. WITS trains culinary school graduates, who partner with cafeteria staff to prepare daily scratch-cooked meals and educate families about the importance of eating healthy food. Through our WITS Labs and WITS BITS, a series of seasonal cooking and nutrition classes, WITS Chefs also teach children and their families how to prepare healthy, delicious, and affordable recipes using whole, unprocessed foods. As a member of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Chefs Move to Schools planning team, WITS recognizes the importance of engaging the culinary community and partners with local chefs and restaurants to lead special events, act as wellness ambassadors and inspire students. Coach for Kids
The Coach for Kids program brings trained coaches onto public school recess yards to encourage even the least active children to engage in fun and healthy physical activities. Coach for Kids actively combats schoolyard bullying by building positive social skills through play and fosters a sense of excitement around fitness. Despite CDC recommendations that children participate in at least 60 minutes of activity each day to stay healthy, many public schools have severely reduced opportunities for students to exercise. Coach for Kids helps students come closer to meeting the CDC’s activity benchmark by focusing recess time on games and engaging exercises.
