For over 20 years, Nebraska Kids Fitness and Nutrition Day has taught children healthy habits through fun, hands-on activities. Thanks to a five-year, $2.5 million grant from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, even more rural communities across Nebraska will get to join in.
Kate Heelan, PhD, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, started the program in 2004 with dietitian Kaiti George, RD, LMNT. The program, started with 4th-grade students, aims to help children build healthy habits for life by making nutrition and physical activity fun and easy to understand.
“The idea is to teach children healthy habits early and keep building them as they grow, especially when they start making their own choices,” said Dr. Heelan. “At this age, kids begin to organize their own play and learn that being active can be fun and help them make friends.”
Nebraska Kids Fitness and Nutrition Day brings healthy habits to life for children across the state. The program keeps things simple and active, giving kids chances to move, explore, and ask questions about health.
“Children learn by doing things like reading food labels, understanding portion sizes and energy balance, building a balanced plate, or learning about handwashing and making healthier drink choices,” said Dr. Heelan.
Dr. Heelan added that the impact lasts well beyond the event. “Parents have told us their children come home talking about nutrition or suggesting games for the family. Teachers also say the event is often one of their students’ favorite fourth-grade memories.”
“Not every school has had the chance to join this program. We have created a model that lets more rural communities bring this experience to their students,” said Dr. Heelan.
In fall 2026, eight host sites welcomed a total of 2,045 students to Nebraska Kids Fitness and Nutrition Day events. The program has reached many Nebraska communities by working with local public health districts, colleges, universities, the YMCA, and Nebraska Extension. Events have taken place in Kearney, Scottsbluff, Alliance, Chadron, Sidney, McCook, Lincoln, and Hastings.
With the grant support, the plan is to expand Nebraska Kids Fitness and Nutrition Day to five new sites each year. Starting in 2027, participating schools will receive additional curriculum and resources to use in their classrooms throughout the academic year.
“Our goal is to give more schools and communities a chance to connect healthy choices with active learning,” said Dr. Heelan.