WSKG, public television for Binghamton, New York, is using its convening and communicating muscle to end childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is a sobering national epidemic that unfortunately has not spared the Southern Tier. Health officials are expressing concern with the link between childhood obesity and its relationship to the development of health related diseases, such as diabetes. With generous support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and The Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation, WSKG launched a Working on Wellness initiative (WoW) to work with existing health organizations. WSKG is strategically positioned to develop new and coordinate existing efforts underway to address childhood obesity by using its media resources and outreach activities to create an awareness of what is being done in their community concerning childhood obesity. WSKG provides a centralized online and on-air home for a number of existing regional health projects, and partners with agencies and nonprofits to develop new ideas.
WoW Projects
Some of the supported WoW projects include Stride with Pride, a walking program for third, fourth and fifth grade students. The Growing Health 2012 Conference is a unique conference designed for those who want a stake in the future of their community's food system: consumers, health care professionals, farmers, business and community leaders, parents, students and more. From policy discussions, inspiring success stories and practical ideas, this conference benefits all who seek meaningful civic engagement surrounding the food system. The Health & Wellness Quiz is a great way to test your Health & Wellness knowledge and to help WSKG to learn more about their community.
Songwriting Contest
Besides these projects, WSKG also organized a Songwriting Contest for 
students in grades K-12.Together with Johnny Only, a local songwriter and singer of children's songs, bands, classrooms and individuals were all invited to create a song with a content that focused on health, exercise and wellness.
You can watch a video clip of previous winners of the Songwriting Contest here:
After School Fuel Recipe Contest
Another interesting WoW project is the After School Fuel Recipe Contest. In cooperation with Lourdes Hospital, WSKG asked to create tasty, nutritious on-the-go snacks. Six teams, comprising young students and their families or teachers, developed their own nutritious, fun meals that could be easily re-created by fellow students. The recipes, pictures and the final cook-off program are posted on the WoW website. WSKG-TV also broadcasted the final cook-off where judging was based on seven criteria: creativity, low sugar content, amount of vitamins and minerals, use of fruits, veggies and whole grains, portability of the snack, the ability to quickly prepare the snack and great taste.
The winning recipes have been chosen and in the new After School Fuel Recipe Book you can find a compilation of all the nutritious and healthy recipes WSKG received. Check back in January for the 2013 contest!
You can watch a video clip of After School Fuel Recipe Contest here: