In 2009, Eric Logan learned that Kentucky had the third-highest obesity rate in the country among youth. Shocked by this alarming discovery, Logan, who is the Executive Director of the thriving not-for-profit organization, Light of Chance, Inc. knew he had to do his part to combat this issue. With the help of Western Kentucky University’s head track coach, Erick Jenkins.
Light of Chance launched an interactive wellness program called Get Set Go, just one year later.
Get Set Go educates youth, (ranging from 5 to 13 years of age) and their families on the importance of fitness and proper nutrition, with hopes that they will carry healthier living habits with them throughout the rest of their lives. In the three years since its inception, the program has gone from serving 30 to more than 650 youth per week. The youth participate in physical activities such as yoga, dance, Zumba, track and field and several others. They also enjoy healthy and delicious snacks.
This year, Light of Chance and the Community Farmers Market have joined forces to add another aspect to the program. This component, known as the Mobile Farmers Market, will engage Get Set Go participants at the Boys & Girls Club to increase their exposure and access to fresh, local foods. Without the mobile market, the students and their families may not have the opportunity to enjoy these foods, simply because they are not available in their community.
“The mobile market is accessible to both the kids and their parents, thus providing another avenue for parental involvement and extending our health initiative to the entire family,” Logan says.
This new partnership fits right in with Light of Chance’s mission to serve the youth and community through innovative arts and wellness programs.
Get Set Go meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club, Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Potter Gray Elementary, Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, and Fridays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Jody Richards Elementary. For more information, visit lightofchance.org.
By: Shawn Whitsell