Project TRACK (Teaching, Reaching, and Collaborating for Knowledge) and Steps for Health

After receiving a FIT Community Grant from the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund, a quarter mile track was built in the Town of Edenton, NC. Third-grade students received pedometers to track the number of steps they took at school each day, and incentives were offered based on steps taken. Students walked the track at least 3 days per week for 20 minutes.

In addition, the Steps for Health program developed by North Carolina State University was implemented at DF Walker elementary school. This program included nine 30 to 45-minute nutrition education sessions. Lessons covered identifying healthy foods and included a healthy snack and a take-home recipe for a healthy meal.

The goal of this program is to promote increased physical activity and a balanced diet.

Since the beginning of project TRACK, school staff and parents have reported a decrease in student's BMIs and teachers have reported an increase in academic performance. The fryer has been removed from the kitchen of DF Walker Elementary school, and students are now only served whole wheat bread.

Project TRACK will become a school policy. Additional area schools have received funding to implement the Steps for Health nutrition program based on its pilot success.