The Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls is announcing their 2008-2009 focus project, prevention of childhood obesity. Since the early 1970s the number of overweight children has increased dramatically, substantially increasing children's risks for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The JLWCF intends to raise awareness and provide solutions for the growing health problems associated with childhood obesity.

Junior Leagues from across four countries have implemented an international initiative called Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen, designed to help communities address the urgent issues surrounding childhood obesity and poor nutrition. More than 200 Junior Leagues, including the JLWCF, have participated in the program and provided educational initiatives for children and families in their communities. To date, media coverage has reached over 80 million people with messages about the issues surrounding childhood obesity and the Junior League's initiative to address this growing concern.

The Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls along with many other Leagues from across the Association will again host educational events in the upcoming year. Events and activities will help show kids and parents nutritious and affordable ways to select recipe ingredients and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The JLWCF will again host Kids in the Kitchen events in Fall 2008 and Spring 2009. Additionally, the JLWCF plans to partner with local community organizations and provide other educational activities.

Local community organizations looking to partner with the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls on this focus project should complete the application available on the JLWCF website, www.jlwcf.org. Complete applications should be submitted to the JLWCF, Vice President of Community Impact by August 15, 2008.

The Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls, a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, is an organization of women dedicated to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. To become a member or for more information, please contact the Junior League office at P.O. Box 568, Waterloo, IA 50704, 232-8687, jlwcf@jlwcf.org or visit them online at www.jlwcf.org.

Partner Application and Guidelines