This PlanH short video showcases the amazing work being done in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Hope to ensure that all children have a chance to form healthy habits early in life. These three communities are using a community-based participatory approach and common consistent messaging for kids to make the healthy choice the easier choice around healthy eating and physical activity.
Research has shown that it takes a whole-systems, community-based, participatory approach to create conditions for healthier community environments for children and families. Community partners in all three cities have engaged around the ‘Live 5-2-1-0’ initiative created by the SCOPE project. SCOPE (Sustainable Childhood Obesity Prevention through Community Engagement) is an initiative of BC Children’s Hospital that partners with communities across British Columbia to promote healthy weights among children.
Research has shown that it takes a whole-systems, community-based, participatory approach to create conditions for healthier community environments for children and families. Community partners in all three cities have engaged around the ‘Live 5-2-1-0’ intiative created by the SCOPE project. Live 5-2-1-0 promotes a simple, easy to remember health message for kids and families: each day kids should aim to get at least five servings of vegetables and fruits, minimal screen time to less than two hours, get at least one hour of active play, and consume zero sugary drinks.
The Live 5-2-1-0 message is shared in newspaper inserts, school day planners, community leisure guides, recreation centres, daycares, and many other places. Kids now recognize the Live 5-2-1-0 message and set their own goals for decreasing screen time, increasing physical activity and asking for healthier food and drink choices at school and home. Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Hope have become leaders in creating healthy communities for children, who will in turn pass their knowledge down to future generations.
Video: Andrew Nguyen of Lemongrass Films
Still photos in video: Bill Beatty Photography
Interested in learning more?
- View the map of all Live 5-2-1-0 Playbox locations
- Live 5-2-1-0 website
- Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology has a factsheet on Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for children aged 0-4
- Learn how to take action to create a child-friendly community
- Active living creates a better health environment for community members of all ages
- Access to healthy and nourishing food helps children form healthy habits at a young age
- See all of our community stories on active living initiatives and healthy eating initiatives
