Promoting Healthy Eating, Active Lives

Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Program Receives $10,000 Grant
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Fremont– Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial CATCH program received a $10,000 grant from The Gerber Foundation Health Care Fund of Fremont Area Community Foundation to empower kids and families throughout Newaygo County to take charge of their health and wellness through nutrition, education, and physical activity.

The Gerber Memorial CATCH program is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. This model involves health education, the school environment, and family-community involvement working together to launch youth toward healthier lifestyles. CATCH has been proven as one of the most cost effective means of preventing childhood obesity, in an environment that is fun and easy to sustain. An evidence-based, nationally recognized program brings best practices into schools and teaches students from kindergarten to fifth grade about how to live healthier.

Piloted in two school districts for the 2016-2017 school year, CATCH has now expanded and is in every elementary school in Newaygo County for the 2017-2018 school year. The program is currently reaching over 3,100 students in over 100 classrooms across the county.

“We are pleased to award this grant to Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial and the CATCH program. Together, we are dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve, with a special focus on school-aged children in Newaygo County,” said Amy Moore, The Fremont Area Community Foundation, director of community investment.

Through CATCH, Josh Gustafson, director of Gerber Memorial’s community health and wellness programs and his team found a way to nudge the culture toward making healthier choices.

“With CATCH, our community health team, nurses, dietitians, fitness specialists and other staff are helping to show kids and their families from all backgrounds that eating nutritious, delicious food can be done economically and easily,” Gustafson said. “Being physically active can happen anywhere, anytime.”