Childhood Obesity Program Area

RWJF is committed to tackling one of the most urgent threats to the health of our children and families—childhood obesity. Our goal is to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

Economic and Community Development Benefits of Healthy Food Retail

June 17, 2013 | Report

Research shows that when communities have access to affordable, healthy foods, residents purchase and consume healthier foods over time.

Painting a Picture of Childhood Obesity with a Geographic Information System

June 14, 2013 | Program Result Report

The Childhood Obesity Prevention Geographic Information System (GIS) allows users to combine local, state, and national information on people and places to combat obesity.

Association Between District and State Policies and U.S. Public Elementary School Competitive Food and Beverage Environments

June 10, 2013 | Journal Article

This study examines the association between district and state policy requirements regarding availability in public elementary schools of competitive food and beverages, including high-fat and high-sugar snacks, drinks, and salty snacks.

Food Retail and Financing Initiatives to Address Obesity in Latino Communities

June 6, 2013 | Issue Brief

This research review and issue brief examines relevant research regarding access to healthy foods in Latino communities

School Soft Drink Availability and Consumption Among U.S. Secondary Students

June 1, 2013 | Journal Article

The association between regular and diet soft drink availability in schools and student consumption is examined in this article.

Menu Labeling Regulations and Calories Purchased at Chain Restaurants

June 1, 2013 | Journal Article

This study examined whether the mean number of calories purchased by consumers decreased after the regulation to include caloric information on menus was implemented.

Nutritional Quality at Eight U.S. Fast-Food Chains

June 1, 2013 | Journal Article

This study looked at the nutritional quality of menu offerings at eight fast-food restaurant chains over 14 years.

Impact of Menu Labeling on Consumer Behavior

June 1, 2013 | Report

Key findings from this review show that there is a high degree of public support for providing nutrition information at the point of purchase, and menu labeling in cafeterias and restaurants increases consumers’ awareness of nutritional information.

Creating a Healthy Concession Stand

May 29, 2013 | Program Result Report

The Food Trust of Philadelphia and the Princeton, N.J., Recreation Department updated the concession menu at the pool complex, reducing calorie counts of popular foods and beverages, and adding healthier choices.

Educating the Student Body

May 23, 2013 | Report

Recommendations for strengthening and improving physical activity and physical education programs in schools are presented in this IOM report.