Healthy Kids, Healthy WV is Generation West Virginia's week-long statewide service project. In the Fall of each year, hundreds of members work in their communities to promote physical activity and healthy eating. From elementary school recipe contests to healthy lifestyle fairs, events are planned to inspire West Virginians to eat right, get fit and live well.

Generation West Virginia's network of young talent is passionate about making a difference in communities where they live and work. Regional groups strive to teach children and families about enjoyable healthy meal preparation, demonstrate that physical activity is fun and encourage youth to make healthy decisions.

One in three West Virginia children is overweight, ranking the Mountain State eighth in the nation for obese and overweight children between the ages of 10 and 17. Obese children are at risk for healthy problems – in their youth and as adults. During adolescents obese children are more likely than other youth to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.

Healthy Kids, Healthy WV 2010 Highlights

Between Oct. 2 and 9, 2010, Generation West Virginia's regional groups across the state hosted nearly two dozen events encouraging healthy eating and physical activity for the first-ever Healthy Kids, Healthy WV week-long service project. 
 
While Generation GAP hosted exercise and cooking classes, Young Professionals of the Eastern Panhandle (YPEP) presented Zumba classes, scavenger hunts and a bike ride. Meanwhile, Generation Putnam hosted healthy food tastings and family fitness sessions,  Generation Greenbrier Valley participated in Lewisburg's annual Taste of Our Town and Generation Charleston hosted a day-long healthy and wellness event at The Clay Center.

Gov. Joe Manchin III launched the service project by signing a declaration Sept. 28 at a press conference proclaiming the week as Healthy Kids, Healthy WV week. Manchin outlined the need for a focus on fighting childhood obesity and applauded Generation West Virginia for the work it does in communities statewide. The Governor also was the first to sign the Healthy Kids, Healthy WV pledge, which was signed by West Virginians at all events throughout the week.

Healthy Kids, Healthy WV was the brain child of Mandy Curry, of Generation Putnam, and Rob Rosano, of Generation Charleston. As co-chairs of the event, they spearheaded the statewide initiative, identifying statewide partners - the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association and WVU Extension - Family Nutrition Program - to help regional groups plan and implement their events.