​The Challenge

Obesity and type-2 diabetes is significantly impacting our community in the Pajaro Valley at far greater numbers than the rest of the county (CAP 2013). In addition, poverty is abundance in our community. 90% of our students receive free and reduced priced lunches (CDE 2015). Pajaro Valley youth have the odds stacked against them. The abundance of low-cost, high-calorie processed foods combined with various levels of poverty and food insecurity only add to the recipe of diet related disease.

Our solution

Without access to resources for a healthy lifestyle, the future long-term fiscal and social costs of a diabetes and obesity epidemic are significant. We provide the ideal intervention. Fitness4Life Programs ensure a larger population of PV youth are empowered with applicable skills and resources for a healthier future. We have received the Phil Rather Awards for Leadership in Healthcare and thhe Governor's Council Event of the Year, Silver Medalist for the work Fitness4Life has done. 

Our Programs
We offer multiple enrichments to students in the after school programs in PVUSD. These include gardening, nutrition education, swimming, sports and games, and biking. 

Garden

Students participate in interactive science lessons and get to help beautify their school garden.

Nutrition Education

Students have the chance to practice cooking healthy snacks using ingredients from our gardens and learn why eating healthy is important.

Swimming/Sports

Students learn how to swim or build upon prior knowledge of swimming  while learning how to be safe in the water. Students also participate in sports/games at the YMCA. 

Biking

Students learn how to ride a bicycle while building the knowledge and skills that they need to master bike safety on the playground and on the road. Helmets and bikes are provided.

SuperKid Race

Since 2004, Fitness4Life has supported over 10,000 students in the Watsonville community. 
​F4L hosts a SuperKid Race where about 1000 youth participate in an inflatable obstacle course to celebrate fitness. In addition to the obstacle course, the event has a smoothie bike, bounce houses, healthy taste tests, fresh made smoothies, a carnival and a dance party. The inspiring event aims to encourage students to stay active for years to come.