Join the WITS Community
Click here to see First
Lady Michelle Obama's
Speech "Chef's Move to Schools" Speech.
creating healthier places in which to learn.
stay tuned,
new website coming soon
Wellness in the Schools (WITS) is a non-profit, community based organization founded in 2005 in order to improve the environment, nutrition, and fitness in NYC public schools. In an effort to combat childhood obesity and improve school environments, WITS developed Cook for Kids, Coach for Kids, and Green for Kids, three NYC based programs poised for replication nationwide. LEARN ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS BELOW.
CLICK HERE to watch Nancy and Bill discuss healthy eating on NY1 - Part I
CLICK HERE to watch Nancy and Bill discuss healthy eating on NY1 - Part II
thanks for making this happen.
the kids are loving it. the parents
love it. we should ride the wave
of enthusiasm and take things in
a healthy direction. bill telepan is
a hero... as are you all.
parent, head of wellness committee
In partnership with the NYC Department of Education's Office of SchoolFood, Wellness in the Schools operates the Cook for Kids program in New York City public school kitchens and classrooms, serving 6,500 children. Under the leadership of Chef Bill Telepan, WITS sends culinary school graduates into public school kitchens to prepare fresh meals from scratch and to educate families about the importance of eating whole, unprocessed food.
The Green for Kids environmental program works in partnership with other NYC based environmental efforts. Our signature environmental program was launched in partnership with the NYC Department of Education in 2006 to ensure schools use bio-based, effective cleaning products that are healthy for children and the environment. WITS works in partnership with The Greenhouse Project @ New York Sun Works and Styrofoam out of Schools on additional Green for Kids initiatives.
WITS operates Coach for Kids in the recess yards of NYC public schools, serving 5,500 children. Trained coaches mentor the least active children to engage in fun and healthy physical activities.
Coach for Kids actively combats schoolyard bullying and fosters a sense of excitement and
engagement among children. Children need at least 60 minutes of activity each day, a benchmark for optimal health that NYC public schools often do not meet. Coach for Kids helps students come closer to meeting this crucial benchmark.