A new initiative to combat childhood obesity is kicking off at more than 100 schools throughout the state this week, and Nome Elementary and the Teller School are two local participants.

It’s called the Healthy Futures Challenge, and it will encourage students to stay active outside of class for 30 minutes, three times a week, for four weeks. Students can receive rewards, like games and water bottles that work toward a healthy lifestyle. And if enough students participate, schools can receive rewards, too, like funds that can be used for gym equipment.

Cindy Norquest is the Healthy Futures Program Director, in partnership with the state Department of Health and Social Services. She says the program will try encouraging activity at home by offering a wide variety of activities that students can do with their families.

More information on the Healthy Futures program can be found at http://healthyfuturesak.org/.

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