Funded Projects

FFIT!! (Fresh, Fitness, Inspiration, Transformation)

Project Year

2025

City & State

Gainesville, Florida

Program Name

CATCH Resident

Topic

Overweight & Obesity (LHI)

Program Description

"Problem: Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue, contributing to long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. In Alachua County, 31.2% of children are classified as overweight or obese, a figure higher than the state average. The CMS pediatric resident clinic serves many children from underserved communities facing challenges like food insecurity, limited access to fresh produce, and few opportunities for physical activity. These factors increase the risk of obesity and its associated health complications, which can persist into adulthood without early intervention.   Primary Setting: The CMS pediatric resident clinic serves a population with limited access to nutritious food, safe spaces for exercise, and healthcare resources. Many of the children treated at the clinic are uninsured or receive Medicaid, contributing to the higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The clinic’s location in an area with food deserts and limited exercise options makes it essential to provide targeted interventions to help these children reduce obesity and improve their health.   Number of Children Affected: According to the University of Florida’s Maternal and Child Health and Education Data Center (2019), 31.2% of children aged 2-19 in Alachua County are classified as overweight or obese. The CMS clinic serves a significant portion of these children, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds with limited access to healthy food and physical activity resources. Early intervention is crucial, as childhood obesity can lead to long-term health problems in adulthood.  Project Goal: The FFIT project aims to reduce childhood obesity by improving access to fresh produce and increasing physical activity among pediatric patients with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile. The initiative uses a community-based approach, providing families with the tools they need to make healthier eating and lifestyle choices, with a focus on education, fresh food, and physical fitness.  Proposed Intervention: •    The FFIT project consists of a multi-faceted intervention focusing on both nutrition and physical activity: •    Biweekly Fresh Produce Distribution: Families will receive biweekly boxes containing locally sourced vegetables, along with educational materials on meal preparation. This initiative will directly address food insecurity and provide families with healthy eating options. •    Meal Kit Boxes (Similar to HelloFresh): The project will also distribute meal kit boxes, which contain pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. This ensures families have the right ingredients and the tools needed to prepare balanced, nutritious meals at home. •    Exercise Bags with Fitness Equipment: Each participating family will receive exercise bags that include jump ropes, resistance bands, and exercise guides to promote physical activity at home. •    Social Media Engagement: FFIT will create a social media presence to share health tips, success stories, and educational resources. This will foster community engagement and provide continuous motivation and support.  Anticipated Outcomes: •    Enhanced Access to Fresh Produce: FFIT aims to provide 80% of participating families with fresh produce, which will increase the consumption of healthy foods. Families are expected to report using at least 70% of the produce received in meal preparation. •    Increased Physical Activity: Participation in the project’s physical activity resources, including exercise bags and monthly classes, will lead to a 25% increase in physical activity levels among families. •    Health Improvements: The project anticipates 30% of participating children will show improvements in BMI, along with improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. •    Social Media Engagement: FFIT aims to engage at least 500 followers on social media, with high interaction levels indicating the project's success in raising awareness and promoting healthier living.  Future Directions: FFIT plans to expand by forming partnerships with local gyms and community centers, promoting cooking classes, and hosting health education events to further support healthy lifestyles."

Project Goal

To reduce childhood obesity by enhancing access to nutritious food, increasing physical activity, and fostering healthier lifestyle choices among pediatric patients with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile.

Project Objective 1

By April 2025, we will have biweekly distributions of fresh produce and HelloFresh-style meal kits to 80% of participating families, providing pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to promote healthier eating.

Project Objective 2

By May 2025, we will provide exercise bags with fitness equipment (e.g., jump ropes, resistance bands) to all participating families, aiming for a 25% increase in physical activity levels.

Project Objective 3

By June 2025, we will launch a social media campaign to engage at least 500 followers, sharing health tips, recipe ideas, success stories, and educational resources.

AAP District

District X

Institutional Name

UF Health Pediatrics - Gerold L. Schiebler CMS Center

Contact 1

Taylor Rouviere, MD

Contact 2

Blake Windham, MD