At a time when one-third of America’s young people – 12.7 million children and youth in the United States – are overweight or obese, New Balance Foundation is invested in addressing the fundamental drivers of this 21st century epidemic.

Obesity is often closely tied to income and the conditions of poverty. A lack of education, inextricably linked to poverty, also exacerbates the problem of obesity among low-resource communities. Racial and ethnic minorities and children in low‑income families are disproportionately affected.

Childhood obesity is taking a toll on our kids. They are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure and cancer. They are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem. They are the first generation of children who are predicted to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

This is not up for debate. We cannot ignore the burden, or the cost, this illness places on children, their families, our communities and on society. We must – no – we are compelled to fight back to reverse the course of childhood obesity.

THAT IS WHY OUR GRANTMAKING IS FOCUSED ON:

LEADING WITH RESEARCH

We believe that research will unlock solutions to building a healthier future.
And so we invest in academic, medical and clinical-care partnerships with world-class university and medical institutions.

SUSTAINING OUR YOUTH

We believe that children need to move, that fueling the body with real food gives them the energy to do anything they
want, and that education opens the world to them. And so we invest in school initiatives that promote physical activity, nutrition education and academic excellence, and in the community organizations that are the new frontier in obesity prevention.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY NEEDS

We believe that removing barriers to health, addressing basic needs and supporting vibrant community organizations lifts all boats. And so we invest in the critical work that organizations across our communities are doing to extend immediate joy
and put everyone on a path to lifelong health and accomplishment.