Action for Healthy Kids and GENYOUth – two of the nation’s most trusted school health and wellness nonprofits – are joining forces to ignite a future where every school is a hub of wellness, and where student well-being and learning go hand in hand.
The health of our nation’s youth is in crisis. Rising rates of hunger, physical inactivity, and mental health challenges are threatening the wellbeing – and the future – of millions of students. It’s time for bold, unified action. And it starts in the place where kids spend the majority of their time outside the home: school.
Schools are not just places of learning – they are essential environments for fostering physical, emotional, and social development. From access to healthy school meals and physical activity to trusted adult relationships and mental health support, schools are uniquely positioned to be powerful engines for student health and wellbeing.
Through this strategic affiliation, Action for Healthy Kids and GENYOUth are creating the nation’s largest in-school health and wellness alliance, poised to reach over 100,000 schools and impact tens of millions of students every year. Together, they will deliver scalable, evidence-based solutions that help every child thrive.
“By aligning our strengths, Action for Healthy Kids and GENYOUth are creating a powerful platform for change,” said Rob Bisceglie, CEO of Action for Healthy Kids. “Our shared commitment to whole child health, youth voice, and school-based innovations will allow us to support millions more kids with the resources they need to thrive – physically, emotionally, and academically.”
Together, the organizations will address student health holistically through programs focused on:
- Nutrition and food security
- Physical activity and active learning
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Risk behavior prevention
- Youth leadership and voice
- Family and community engagement
“Kids need our help, and they need it urgently. Collaboration isn’t optional, it’s essential,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth. “When we unite our expertise, we unlock something special. GENYOUth brings a deep commitment to youth empowerment and innovative solutions, while Action for Healthy Kids offers proven expertise in family engagement and systems change. Together, we’re uniquely positioned to create lasting impact—ensuring every child in every school is nourished, active, and supported.”
“As a founding partner of GENYOUth, the NFL remains deeply committed to their mission. For more than 15 years we’ve helped millions of children lead healthier, more active lives. The alignment of GENYOUth and Action for Healthy Kids is a promising next chapter where the power of their shared values and resources will continue to help children be their best selves,” said NFL Commissioner and GENYOUth Board Member Roger Goodell.
“This affiliation between Action for Healthy Kids and GENYOUth is a model of what is possible when we break down silos and focus on what matters most – the health and well-being of our children,” said Dr. David Satcher, 16th U.S. Surgeon General and a founding board member of both Action for Healthy Kids and GENYOUth. “I celebrate this moment, not just as a public health leader, but as someone who believes deeply in the transformative power of collective action.”
“We’ve made progress in supporting the health and well-being of our nation’s youth,” said Martin (Jay) McHale, Jr., Board Chair of Action for Healthy Kids. “But given the unprecedented challenges facing kids today, this alliance with GENYOUth allows us to strengthen and expedite the solutions schools need now, so we can deepen our impact where it matters most.”
Both organizations express deep gratitude to America’s dairy farmers for their long-standing commitment to youth wellness and the critical role they played in the formation and growth of each organization. GENYOUth and Action for Healthy Kids will build on that legacy with a renewed commitment, bringing in new partners and approaches to transform student health and well-being nationwide.
Together, Action for Healthy Kids and GENYOUth will offer a more comprehensive suite of programs, professional development, and direct-to-school resources, while increasing operational efficiency.
For more information, visit www.actionforhealthykids.org and www.genyouthnow.org.
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