North Carolina

North Carolina landscapes stretch from scenic beaches bordering the Atlantic to the rocky cliffs of the Appalachian Mountains – and nearly everything in between. Home to the “Research Triangle” of prestigious universities, the state has much to offer residents from its major cities to its rural towns.

But aside from North Carolina’s many appeals, the state faces a troubling problem: Nearly one in three of North Carolina’s youth is overweight or obese, putting them at risk for serious health problems.

Additionally, the significant racial and ethnic disparities that exist in obesity prevalence among U.S. children are pronounced in North Carolina’s diverse communities: 22 percent of the state’s residents are Black or African American.*

Thanks to support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is working with communities throughout the state to make it easier for kids to lead healthier lives.

Our Work in North Carolina

In North Carolina, we’re making it easier for kids to develop healthy habits.

More than 1,000 schools serving over 614,000 students across the state have joined Healthier Generation's Healthy Schools Program, creating healthier school environments for children to thrive. Since 2007, 105 North Carolina schools have been recognized with National Healthy Schools Awards for their outstanding efforts.

We’ve also made it easier for more than 11,600 youth in 112 out-of-school time programs to eat right and move more through our Healthy Out-of-School Time Initiative.

Healthier Generation also enlists the help of regional and local partners to create healthier schools. These partners, such as LiveWell Catawba, receive specialized professional development training from Healthier Generation staff and gain access to Healthier Generation’s customized tools, resources and data that empower them to guide schools to improve physical activity and nutrition policies and practices.

Success Stories

Hear from school champions from just two of the many schools and districts we work with in North Carolina: Durham Public School District, enrolled with the Healthy Schools Program since 2009, and Idlewild Elementary School, enrolled since 2011.

The changes have had a tremendous impact on the lives of students and staff, providing them with the skills and resources they need to perform various physical activities and live healthier lives with character.

Dr. Patricia Smith

Physical Education Teacher, Idlewild Elementary School, NC

If I didn’t have Healthier Generation on my side, I couldn’t do my job. As a part-time wellness coordinator, I don’t have time to identify resources, develop content and recognize and celebrate all of our schools. Healthier Generation has been with us every step of the way.

Kate Turner

Wellness Coordinator, Durham Public School District, NC

Watch how Southern states, including North Carolina, are helping students to develop healthier habits at school