Nebraska

Located in the middle of the country, Nebraska’s more than 1.8 million residents enjoy the prairies of the Great Plains, the dunes of the Sandhills and rock formations on the panhandle. Its two biggest cities, Omaha and Lincoln, are home to vibrant cultures that include thriving restaurants, university campuses and top industry headquarters.

Despite all that the state has to offer, it bears a troubling problem: more than a quarter of its children are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for serious health problems.

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 in Nebraska to lead healthier lives.

Our Work in Nebraska

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

Nearly 400 schools serving over 178,000 students across the state have joined Healthier Generation's Healthy Schools Program, creating healthier school environments for children to thrive. Since 2007, 39 Nebraska schools have been recognized with National Healthy Schools Awards for their outstanding efforts.

We’ve also made it easier for more than 2,500 youth in 26 out-of-school time programs to eat right and move more through our Healthy Out-of-School Time Initiative.

Success Stories

Hear from a school champion from just one of the many schools and districts we work with in Nebraska: Ezra Millard Elementary School, enrolled in the Healthy Schools Program since 2011.

I am proudest of implementing a wellness policy in our school, getting staff members on board implementing physical activity, and incorporating health and wellness into our school’s mission statement.

Matt Dykstra

Physical Education Teacher, Ezra Millard Elementary School

Watch the video to learn more about how the Healthy Schools Program is helping kids lead healthier lives