Tracy Thompson, director of the FIT program and outreach specialist in the MSU College of Human Medicine, said the program aims to help all children, regardless of body size.

“The directive is to address childhood obesity and we’re trying to be aware of the fact that it’s not just taking those who happen to be overweight but children of all sizes,” Thompson said. “We want to help them become more fit; despite the fact obesity is a big buzz word we hope to affect children of all sizes.”

The multifaceted initiative will focus on nutrition, increasing knowledge and on wellness and fitness, she said.

Jeff Connolly, president of West Michigan operations for Blue Cross, said funding the initiative is “just the first piece”.

“The ultimate goal is to, No. 1: benchmark where Grand Rapids schools are, relative to childhood obesity, and find out where we’re starting from,” Connolly said. “The initial target is a two-year program. From Blue Cross’ standpoint, this is an evolving area that will be focused on obesity.”

Connolly said although the initial funding is only for the first two years, Blue Cross could add more depending on the success of the initiative.

“There’s a fair amount of learning that will go on,” he said. “If we evolve and identify areas where we can improve and if the funding makes a difference, then we will definitely consider (more funding).”

The kickoff for the program is fall 2009. Thompson said she hopes they will have preliminary data by around January.

Four schools will pilot the program in Grand Rapids: Buchanan Elementary; Campus Elementary; Cesar E. Chavez Elementary and Dickinson Elementary, according to a statement from MSU.

Professors from MSU’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, the Department of Radiology, the Department of Kinesiology and the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Retailing are involved.

Thompson said the program seeks to integrate health habits with the children’s curriculum.

“We’re planning to work physical activity into other areas of the children’s day by using other tools and curriculum aids,” Thompson said. “We’re hoping to get the children to have 30 minutes of structured activity a day. When they have P.E. that day is good; (we’ll incorporate it) by using things like Brain Gym or other different ways.”

The actual lessons would involve movement, she said.

MSU kinesiology professor Karin Pfeiffer said they are taking a “tool box” approach, that is, giving teachers different ways to get kids active throughout the day, like dance parties, a walk or mileage club.

“Our hope is that then as far as the community piece goes that we can add more opportunities for more physical activity outside of school,” she said. “We want to make it accessible for all kids in the program — we hope to get them up to an hour a day which is what is recommended.”