School lunches may always be an easy target for jokes. But there’s nothing funny about lunches that aren’t nutritious or appealing – and, in the words of some Rochester School #28 fourth-graders, that are "just plain gross."

Parks and other recreational areas aren’t always as safe for kids as they should be, and they aren’t always accessible when and where kids want to play. Some schools don’t offer enough physical activity during the school day.

The lack of healthy food and limits on play are two key factors in the ever-growing epidemic of obesity and overweight issues in children. The Healthi Kids Coalition believes that the time has come to take action because our children deserve much better – and their futures depend on it.

Becoming part of this grassroots movement is easy. Whether you want to join the Healthi Kids Coalition, lobby policy makers for change or share your opinion, you can become a champion for healthier kids.