Strong Starts for Lifelong Health

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is a reminder that small, everyday choices in early childhood make a big difference in lifelong health. Go NAPSACC helps child care programs turn awareness into action with simple, practical strategies that support healthy eating, active play, and overall well-being.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of creating environments that support healthy growth and lifelong wellness. Consider these Missouri statistics from the Center for Healthy Weight and Wellness at Washington University in St. Louis:

• Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past forty years;
• An estimated 28% of Missouri children are overweight or obese;
• By 2030, Missouri’s total health care costs related to obesity are projected to reach $12 billion annually

These figures underscore the importance of early, preventive action in the environments where young children learn and grow every day.

Child care settings play a critical role in shaping lifelong habits, as children develop patterns around nutrition, physical activity, and daily routines during these formative years. Go NAPSACC (Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care) helps programs turn awareness into action through an easy online self-assessment, goal setting, and individualized support. By making small, achievable changes to strengthen healthy eating and increase physical activity, programs can create lasting improvements that support children’s long-term health and well-being.

Take the first step toward a healthier child care program—register for Go NAPSACC today! Registration for the October 2027 Go NAPSACC project is now open. Click here for more information about the Go NAPSACC project.

If you have questions regarding Go NAPSACC, please contact Lauri Choate, Director of Training, at lauri@mochildcareaware.org or 314-754-1603.

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

Child Care Keeps Missouri Working℠
Child Care Health and Wellness
Community Data
Join Our Team
Leadership Development Opportunities
Missouri Office of Childhood Updates
Scholarships for Educators
Show Me Child Care Resources
Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri
Resources to Build Your Business
Training and Technical Assistance