HealthPartners PowerUp School Challenge goes virtual in effort to help students

Virtual model continues to promote eating healthier, moving more

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Over the past decade, HealthPartners PowerUp School Challenge has helped thousands of students in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin eat better and move more. Fun, interactive in-classroom activities were designed to promote colorful and tasty fruits and veggies, and it worked. Eighty-two percent of families reported kids eating more fruits and veggies after taking part in the challenge.

In 2021, the challenge is shifting to a new, virtual model. While there won’t be any in-person activities or performances, the priority to keep kids healthy remains. The PowerUp School Challenge will help support in-person and virtual classrooms. Access to an online curriculum will assist teachers in getting students eating better and moving more in the classroom and at home. Also, simple mindfulness and relaxation activities have been added to enrich the mental health of students.

“We know that bringing these resources to schools has made a substantial impact for families,” said Marna Canterbury, the Director of Community Health for HealthPartners. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more crucial that we continue to do what is best for kids, with accessible resources that make it fun to eat better, move more and life healthier lives. We took this challenge head-on and are happy to report that the program is not only well-received by teachers and families, but that we can now reach even more students through online tools that classrooms can use when and how they choose.”

Additionally, HealthPartners PowerUp School Challenge is allocating reward dollars to show support and appreciation for each teachers’ commitment in helping students PowerUp. Each classroom that completes the challenge will earn a gift card to be used to promote wellness in their classroom.