Fit4Kids

Greater Richmond Fit4Kids is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 with support from Sports Backers and the Robins Foundation to address the need for a regional focus on children's physical activity and healthy eating. The organization operates in the Greater Richmond, Virginia area, including Hopewell, Petersburg, Henrico, and Chesterfield counties. It partners with schools and community organizations to serve children and families, particularly in communities facing socio-economic barriers that limit access to nutritious food and safe play areas.

Fit4Kids provides a range of programs designed to make healthy habits fun and accessible. The 'Wellness Integration' program empowers teachers to incorporate physical activity and nutrition messages into their classroom curriculum. 'Learning Gardens' engage children in the process of planting, growing, and tasting fresh food. Another key initiative, 'Safe Routes to School,' promotes safe walking and biking through training crossing guards and offering 'learn to ride' classes. The 'Game On, Girl!' program is specifically designed to empower middle and high school girls to be physically active and nutritionally fit. The organization's business model is that of a non-profit, relying on grants and donations to fund its operations and provide its programs for free. Fit4Kids also engages in policy and advocacy by leading the Greater Richmond Coalition for Healthy Children, which works to advance programs and policies that support wellness, such as improving school recess and promoting healthy hydration.

Keywords: child wellness, physical activity, healthy eating, non-profit, Richmond Virginia, school programs, community health, nutrition education, learning gardens, safe routes to school, youth fitness, health advocacy, wellness policy, food access, childhood obesity prevention, active classrooms, community partnerships, youth empowerment, school gardens, teacher training