More specifically, it is anticipated that the mothers, fathers or guardians who participate in the parent- to-parent mentoring program will learn from trained parent advocates the healthy nutrition/physical activity information and skills that are necessary to be role models for their children.

More specifically the parents will have the opportunity to learn:

• how many fruits and vegetables to eat daily, easy ways to prepare them and the most economical way to buy them.

• that low-fat or fat-free milk is healthier for children over the age of two to drink than whole milk.

• the kind of lean meats and low-fat cheeses that are the healthiest to include in their meal planning and how to prepare them.

• which beverages – including water – are the healthiest to drink.

• which snacks are healthiest for them to eat and how to prepare snacks for the family.

• which whole grains and beans are healthiest, most economic and best ways to prepare them.

• ways to be healthy eating role models for their children

• ways to increase their physical activity and ways to limit television and electronic game viewing.

• how to identify indoor and outdoor spaces in their neighborhood where they can safely engage in physical activities.

• how to grocery shop effectively.

• ways to get the most information off of food labels.

We hope the students will show a willingness to participate in school and other community physical activities that are available to them. We also hope that they show a willingness to try new foods, explore ways of preparing meals and a willingness to change some of their eating behaviors. The ultimate goal of Healthy Children Healthy Futures is to promote youth advocacy to get the word out about the benefits of leading healthier lifestyles through nutrition/physical activity media messages. Healthy Children Healthy Futures participants can be instrumental in stopping the epidemic of obesity and related illnesses in our cities, one neighborhood at a time.#

Matilda Raffa Cuomo is the Founder/Chairperson, Mentoring USA and B.J. Carter is the Director of the Child Health Initiative, Strang Cancer Prevention Center.