N.E.A.T. Program Applications now available

Participating sites can now sign-up to be among the first to earn the Nutrition Education Activity Training (N.E.A.T.) approved recognition. Key program components include role modeling and policies for nutrition and physical activity.

All applications received by March 15 will be registered to win a healthy snack celebration for up to 50 people. Please click here for an application packet.

Program History

In 2006, a partnership was established by Knoxville City Parks and Recreation Department (KPRD) and Knox County Health Department (KCHD) to implement the N.E.A.T. program, which targets youth who are at high-risk for developing unhealthy lifestyle and eating behaviors. The N.E.A.T. program's target population is youth, ages 6-13 years old, in predominantly lower income and underserved areas of Knoxville and Knox County, Tennessee.

In 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, the Tennessee Department of Health Project Diabetes grant provided a monetary source to provide healthy snacks and the CATCH curriculum and training to all 24 sites who participate in the N.E.A.T. program. In addition, the N.E.A.T. program and KPRD was recognized by the Tennessee Department of Health with the "Shining Star" Award in 2008.

So far, the program has reached 24 after-school sites and served over 1,100 children. The sites include 12 Knoxville Parks and Recreation sites and 12 YMCA sites.

The Knoxville Parks and Recreation centers include: Cal Johnson, Cecil Webb, Christenberry, Cumberland Estate, Deane Hill, E.V. Davidson, Inskip, Lonsdale Stonewall, Milton Roberts, New Hope, Richard Leake and West Haven.

In January 2010, the following YMCA sites implemented the program: Bearden Elementary, Beaumont Elementary, Bluegrass Elementary, Dandridge Elementary, Fountain City Elementary, Green Magnet Math and Science Academy, Hardin Valley Elementary, YMCA North Side, Pleasant Ridge Elementary, Sarah Moore Greene, Spring Hill Elementary, Sunnyview Elementary and YMCA West Side.

Currently, N.E.A.T. approved designation is available to the 24 afterschool programs listed above. N.E.A.T. afterschool programs will be guided to implement nutrition and physical activity policy changes to become "N.E.A.T. Approved." The centers will receive incentives and assistance to market the new program.

For more information please call Cheryl Hill at 865-215-5062 or email at cheryl.hill@knoxcounty.org