Embedding Physical Activity and Nutrition Supports in Hawaiʻi’s Early Childhood System
STAKEHOLDER CONVENING, MAY 2023
The 2023 Healthy Keiki, Healthy Future statewide convening was an opportunity to promote collaboration and strengthen relationships.
Public and non-profit partners across Hawai’i have initiated or expanded a wide range of efforts to increase access to physical activity and nutrition engagement in early childhood settings across Hawai`i. In May 2023, 45 cross-sector stakeholders from 30 organizations attended the Healthy Keiki, Healthy Future Convening to:
Celebrate the reach and impact of HKHF implementing partners
Establish a shared language
Strengthen relationships
Inspire commitment and collaboration
Attendees were guided through a day of learning, talk story, networking, and critical analysis using SOARE considerations. (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Restraints, and Equity)
POST EVENT EVALUATION RESULTS
Attendees left the event feeling inspired, informed, and committed to supporting this important work.
93% of respondents left the event feeling very or extremely inspired
92% of respondents are very or extremely likely to take some form of action as a result of the event
92% of respondents have a better understanding of what is happening around physical activity and nutrition in ECE settings in Hawai‘i as a result of the event
What’s next?
“Healthy Keiki, Healthy Future has been an incredible opportunity to support and empower ECE providers in their trusted role of caring holistically for our youngest keiki and their families. It’s inspiring to see how dedicated the early childhood field is to working together and overcoming systemic barriers to embed culturally appropriate physical activity and nutrition practices that promote lifelong health and wellbeing. “
The HKHF story also highlights the detrimental limitations of one-time grant funding when it comes to equitably sustaining and expanding community-informed, evidence-based initiatives of this type in early childhood.
“We are eager to identify sustainable funding streams and develop meaningful partnerships to continue to embed these practices and support ECE providers in their critical role of nurturing healthy keiki for a healthy future.” -Jordan Smith, HKHF project coordinator
A Nemours springboard award will support training and technical assistance on equity-focused efforts, and gardening and outdoor learning trainings for ECE practitioners in 2024.