by Ashley Wiggins

With childhood obesity on the rise, a new program’s involvement in Gaston County may prove to be fruitful for local children and parents alike.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled since 1980.

In North Carolina, 20 percent of children ages 2 to 4 come from low-income families. One out of every seven low-income children in this age range is obese.

North Carolina State University, NC 4-H, and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems will host six FoodCorps service members who will conduct nutrition education, build and tend school gardens, and expand farm to cafeteria sourcing of healthy food.

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