Childhood obesity prevention program comes to Roanoke

Grant money will fund the project in the city

ROANOKE, Va.

The Roanoke City Council approved a program Monday that will try to battle childhood obesity in our area.

It’s called MEND 7-13. It's an international program for which the state Department of Health gives grant money.

The program says it helps families change unhealthy attitudes on food and exercise. Kids in the program will go to meetings twice per week.

 

Schools Superintendent Dr. Rita Bishop says it's a great idea.

 

"Lots of us go through our whole lives and not knowing the importance of fiber and vegetables,” Bishop said. “I'm a big advocate.”


Roanoke's Parks and Recreation Department will get nearly $50,000 to set up the program, and the city won't have to use any of its own funding.