What More Can Be Done? Childhood Obesity in Glassboro, NJ

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in the United States, with an estimated 20% of American children being obese. In New Jersey (NJ), 9% of high school students are obese, and there are disparities in obesity rates based on gender, sexual identity, and race/ethnicity. In Gloucester County, NJ, limited data is available on childhood obesity rates, but 36.4% of adults are obese, and lower SES is related to higher rates of obesity in youth. To address this issue, this research poster proposes a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Glassboro to provide nutritional resources and create monthly newsletters for parents and guardians, with the aim of promoting access to affordable produce and grocery stores in the area. This intervention could potentially help reduce rates of childhood obesity in Glassboro, NJ. Limitations of the study include limited data availability and difficulty in finding meaningful and sustainable intervention ideas