The Oliver Foundation is a Houston-based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity. We provide technical support, training and nutrition education materials to grant recipients. The level of technical support decreases yearly, creating a sustainable environment when the grant period ends.
Highlights of the training and initiative activities include:
- A full-time dietitian and a dedicated project manager who work with teachers, nurses, and other educators at grant sites to help them understand messages, implement core plans and meet the goals of helping kids make healthy choices for life.
- The nationally award-winning Healthy Kids Challenge program, which incorporates resource materials to support the training. Materials include numerous Healthy Kids Challenge manuals.
- The use of “OrganWise Guys” materials, which include books, videos and worksheets that incorporate such characters as “Organ Annie” and her friends “Hardee Heart,” “Madame Muscle” and “Peter Pancreas.” Through these fun characters, students learn about healthy eating and physical activity.
- C - Choose 5-A-Day servings of fruits & vegetables!
- H - Have more water and less sugary beverages!
- O - Opt for healthy snacks!
- I - Increase active play & decrease screen time!
- C - Choose 3-A-Day servings of low-fat dairy products!
- E - Enjoy a healthy breakfast!
- S - Serve a smart portion size!
Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD)In 2004 an educational program began in Fort Bend ISD that trained all elementary school educators on ways to incorporate healthy nutrition choices and increase physical activity in the classroom. This training came about through a grant of nearly $1.5 million from the Oliver Foundation, and has helped to educate over 30,000 individuals.
Neighborhood Centers Inc. (NCI)Beginning in 2004, the Oliver Foundation provided funds to establish training at the four Houston area Neighborhood Centers, including the Charter School at Ripley House. The Oliver Foundation joins NCI in its mission to bring “resources, education and connection to underserved neighborhoods.”
Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics-Nutrition
Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics-Nutrition, and the Oliver Foundation are embarking on a six-year study to track the Body Mass Indexes (BMI) and other health parameters of the 2005-2006 kindergarten class in Fort Bend Independent School District. Data gathering began in September 2005 and follows over 4,200 children. The study is titled The Oliver Foundation Kids Team in Fort Bend Independent School District: A six-year longitudinal study of BMI trends among elementary school children in healthy school environments.
