LEWISTON — 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! has announced that 16 schools, 13 out-of-school programs and 20 child care program in Androscoggin County are being honored for their commitment to creating healthy environments for the children in their care. A total of 51 sites have introduced or sustained healthy changes in collaboration with the 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! program.

5-2-1-0 Let’s Go!, a nationally-recognized childhood obesity prevention program, is offered by Healthy Androscoggin in Androscoggin County. By adopting healthy eating and active living practices these sites are positively influencing the choices children make.

“This is the fourth year we’ve officially recognized sites for their hard work,” said Dr. Victoria Rogers, director of the 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! program. “Thanks to changes like these, we’re seeing Maine’s childhood obesity rates level off.”

The program’s five priority strategies are:

• Limit unhealthy choices for snacks and celebrations, provide healthy choices.

• Limit or eliminate sugary beverages, provide water.

• Prohibit the use of food as a reward.

• Provide opportunities for children to get physical activity every day.

• Limit recreational screen time.

While the program strives for policy change, it recognizes three levels of change, Bronze, Silver and Gold, as organizations move along in their accomplishments. The highest level of recognition, Gold, is reserved for sites that have written all five priority strategies into policy.

Achieving Gold level recognition were Androscoggin Head Start, Pettengill Academy, Lewiston High School 21st CCLC and Lewiston Middle School 21st CCLC. Silver level: Auburn Toddle Inn, Sandcastle Clinical and Educational Services and Park Avenue 21st CCLC. Bronze level: YWCA of Central Maine Child Care and After School Program, Auburn- Lewiston YMCA, Tree Street Youth 21st CCLC and Washburn School 21st CCLC.

Healthy Androscoggin is the Healthy Maine Partnership for Androscoggin County. It works to create a healthier community by supporting tobacco free lifestyles, preventing youth substance abuse, encouraging physical activity, promoting healthy eating and preventing childhood lead poisoning.

FMI: www.healthyandroscoggin.org, 207-795-5990.