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Ohio Healthy Programs

The Ohio Healthy Program (OHP) was created to prevent childhood obesity. Both early care and education programs have the opportunity to earn recognition as an Ohio Healthy Program. Designations are valid for two years and complement Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) requirements. Contact the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) with specific questions regarding SUTQ. CCRC supports early childcare centers with taking the steps towards designation:

Attending Ohio Approved training for administrators, cooks, and teachers
Implementing one new wellness policy every two years
Improving menus
Engaging families

Trainings and designated programs

Two women standing with an ohio healthy programs poster

Little Lighthouse Learning Center

�Ohio Healthy Programs is going very well, families are pleased. We send home menus with the kids and post them on our Facebook.� -Ellen & Victoria

two women standing next to a bulletin board at an early childcare center

Horizon - East Lorain

�It�s nice that the kids get to try things they wouldn�t try at home. At first they might be tentative, but taking little bites and seeing their friends try it helps encourage them to try.�
-Heather & Alyha

childcare director standing with ohio healthy programs designation sign

Park Place

�Everything is going great! We loved the program so much that we renewed our designation. We removed pre-fried foods from the menu.� -Sharon Woolbright, Executive Director

Neighborhood Alliance Lorain

�Parents enjoy the healthier food options for their kids, & it really opens the door for kids to learn about gardening.� -Jennifer Keller, Administrator

Kendal Early Learning Center

�Our students pack lunches from home so we provide information to parents on what healthy options to provide.� -Emily Williams, Lead Teacher

Horizon - Southside Lorain

�The kids really enjoy some of the healthy meal options. The lemon parsley chicken is a big hit!�
-Nicole Medina & Sonja Jackson

Horizon - South Elyria/Wilkes Villa

�The kids tend to the garden here, and we introduce them to unique healthy food options like guava. We encourage them to try different things!� -Zulimar King, Business Coordinator

Horizon - Elyria Dewhurst

�Instead of serving juice for breakfast, we now serve the children a variety of fresh fruits.�
-Jessica Casey, Food Service Specialist

Horizon - East Lorain

�Parents have the flexibility to substitute in healthy food options from home to pack in lunches. This really helps with picky eaters!� -Glorivi Colon, Administrative Staff/Lead Teacher

Head Start - Hopkins Locke

�The kids truly love the foods on the new menu. Both kids & parents are learning a lot about eating healthy on a budget.� -Sharon Henry & Alicia Risner