The NJ YMCA State Alliance and New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids partnered with Nestlé to pilot the Nestlé Start Healthy/Stay Healthy parent education program in five YMCA selected pre-school programs throughout New Jersey. Due to strategic partnerships with the community, The Leaguers Inc. was selected as one of the designated pre-school programs to participate.

The goal of this program is to “create conditions and opportunities that develop a foundation of healthy habits for life.” Parents and teachers will be empowered to make nutritious decisions on how and what to feed children in their care. They will also understand the importance of physical activity and healthy habits.

To celebrate the start of this program, the Newark YMCA held a local media launch event. Members from Start Healthy, Stay Healthy families, Nestle, YMCA, program organizers, local area government, and media were all invited to this event. Amongst the invitees, The Leaguers Inc. was the only Pre-School program to partake. Thirty of The Leaguers pre-k4 students from their, 999 Board Street location, engaged in a kid friendly cooking experience and physical activity. The children followed step by step instruction from Food Network Star, Chef Matthew Grunwald, and enjoyed participating in an obstacle course. Leaguers families were also invited and engaged in the cooking activity. Parents and students all received free samples, prizes, and literature on the nutritional needs of children during their first 1,000 days of life.