§ 63-1-559.2b. Legislative findings.

A.  The Legislature recognizes that:

1.  Childhood obesity poses a major risk to the health and future of Oklahoma’s children, and this challenge must be addressed through a comprehensive approach that includes parents, schools, child care providers, community- and faith-based organizations, health care professionals, civic leaders and many others; and

2.  Evidence-based nutrition education and increased physical activity are well-established means of addressing the problem, but not all Oklahoma families are able to take advantage of opportunities to provide these benefits for their children.

B.  It is the intent of the State Legislature that support shall be provided to established afterschool programs to fully integrate evidence-based obesity prevention and reduction curriculum that includes structured opportunities for increasing physical activity and promoting healthy eating and nutrition habits.

C.  A successful Quality Afterschool Opportunities Initiative will require the resources, expertise and collaboration of a variety of state agencies, including the State Department of Health, the State Department of Education and the Department of Human Services, with advice and guidance from a statewide nonprofit afterschool network.

Added by Laws 2008, c. 133, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2008.