The Anson Children’s Center in Polkton, NC, a five-star, developmental day center for children, including special needs children, recently received two important grants: an “Eat Smart, Move More” Community Grant, and a Shape NC grant.

“Eat Smart, Move More” grants provide funding to local communities to implement strategies that reverse the rising tide of obesity and chronic disease among North Carolinians by increasing opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity.

“Shape NC,” a groundbreaking initiative supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, tackles childhood obesity by focusing on young children in childcare and community settings. In partnership with the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI), Shape NC helps centers and communities create naturalized outdoor learning environments that support child development, physical activity, and healthy eating. NLI’s playground designs also help connect children to nature.

The Anson Children’s Center will use the grants to renovate the Center’s playground and purchase new equipment.

Why so much focus on childhood obesity? According to a 2011 report by the Trust for American’s Health, North Carolina has the 11th highest childhood obesity rate (18.6%) in the nation, and more than 31 percent of NC children ages two to four are considered at risk for becoming over weight.

“Young children’s earliest experiences with healthy eating and physical activity will promote a lifetime of healthy behavior,” said Sam Hedrick, president of RHA Howell, Inc., which owns and operates the Anson Children’s Center. “We are delighted that the Anson Center was chosen to part of this very exciting initiative.”

The Anson Center is ranked in the top 25th percent of North Carolina’s childcare centers, serving a five star pre-school program. Anson is licensed to serve 66 children and is located at 383 Cotton Street, Polkton, NC 29135. Ginny Davis serves as executive director. For more information on RHA Howell’s Anson Children Center, call 704.272.7076.

For more information on Shape NC, visit http://www.smartstart.org. For more information on North Carolina’s Eat Smart, Move More initiative, go to http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/.

For more information on RHA Howell, Inc., visit http://www.rhahowell.org.