COP Program Goals

District 7030 Childhood Obesity Prevention Program
 
The long-term goal of Rotary District 7030's Childhood Obesity Prevention (COP) program is to have positioned itself as a “key partner” in tackling childhood obesity in the Caribbean by 2025. 
Proposed targets by 2025:
  • At least 70% of Rotary clubs in District 7030 are actively participating in the program and have included COP school projects in their strategic plans;
  • At least 70% of all participating Rotary clubs have planned collaborations with Rotaract and Interact Clubs on COP projects;
  • At least 70% of all participating primary schools in District 7030 are measuring the nutritional status of children in schools by using the Body Mass Index scale;
  • At least 70% of all participating primary schools in District 7030 are providing adequate and safe drinking water to students via the implementation of available water fountains and reusable water bottles;
  • At least 70% of all participating primary schools in District 7030 have eliminated consumption of sugar sweetened beverages in schools 
  • (By 2021) At least 70% of all participating primary schools in District 7030 are distributing health menu sample booklets compiled through a student competition to school canteens and Parent-Teacher Associations
 
With help and buy-in of the local ministries of Health and Education, District 7030 aims to approach public and private schools within the district, targeting children in the age group 5-9 years.

OBJECTIVE 1: Increase water consumption by school children
Rationale: MORE WATER means LESS SUGARY DRINKS! The more that children get in the habit of drinking water when they are thirsty, the less intake of sugary drinks will occur. This means less calories and LESS likelihood of weight gain and by extension obesity.
 
OBJECTIVE 2: INCREASE LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN STUDENTS
Rationale: This approach will encourage broader participation by students including students who are not athletic. The element of competition and the introduction of prizes serve as a further incentive for participation.
 
OBJECTIVE 3: PROVIDING HEALTHIER DIETS TO STUDENTS
Rationale: Calorie dense diets high in refined carbohydrates have been associated with the increased incidence of Obesity in children