The number of children who are overweight has increased dramatically over the last 20 years and is a growing public health concern. Obesity is easier to prevent than it is to treat. This usually means watching less television and eating less high-fat convenience foods. TOP Childhood Hunger in Our Community Childhood hunger is a serious problem that is connected to poor health and poor achievement in school. In Onondaga County, an estimated 19,000 children under the age of 18 are hungry or at risk of being hungry.
Research shows that even a mild lack of sufficient food has serious consequences for children.
As a parent you want the best for your child. There are programs in our community that can help you and your family provide the nutritious foods your children need to grow up healthy. Many working families and others on low or fixed incomes qualify. For a confidential screening call the Nutrition Outreach Program of the Food Bank of Central New York at 437-1899. To find out if you qualify, call the Onondaga County Health Department WIC program at 435-3304.