The article is part of our series of blog posts featuring each of the individuals and/or organizations selected for the National AfterSchool Association’s Most Influential in Health and Wellness for afterschool. The Walking Classroom proudly sponsored the competition because of our strong belief in the value of afterschool programs and the importance of promoting healthier lifestyles for all kids.

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Our next honoree is:

Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)

The Food Research & Action Center is the leading national nonprofit organization working to eradicate poverty-related hunger and undernutrition in the United States.

They:

• lead efforts to identify and communicate the connections among poverty, hunger, and obesity among low-income people
• conduct research to document the extent of hunger, its impact, and effective solutions
• seek stronger federal, state and local public policies that will reduce hunger, undernutrition, and obesity
• monitor the implementation of laws and serve as a watchdog of programs
• provide coordination, training, technical assistance, and support on nutrition and anti-poverty issues to a nationwide network of advocates, service providers, food banks, program administrators and participants, and policymakers
• conduct public information campaigns to help promote changes in attitude and policies

Read about the Food Research and Action Center’s greatest achievements and their health and wellness future goals on the NAA website

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Selections were made by NAA based on strong advocacy for and support of health and wellness in afterschool. Those selected represent individuals and organizations whose service, action, and leadership align with and support the NAA Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards and affect large numbers of youth, families, or afterschool professionals.