Precor Grant Supports Metro YMCA of the Oranges

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges received a $3,000 grant from Precor to support efforts to help children in the communities we serve (Livingston, West Essex, South Orange, Maplewood, East Orange, Wayne, Hardyston, Newton and surrounding areas) live healthier lives through the implementation of the Y’s Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards in early childhood and afterschool programs.  Adopting these standards is part of the Y’s commitment to first lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America to help curb childhood obesity.

“As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y takes its responsibility seriously, by helping those most in need,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO. “YMCAs are one of the largest providers of early childhood and afterschool programs in the nation. Now, by adopting standards that will help our kids make better food and activity choices, we strive to be the healthiest.”

The Metropolitan YMCA serves over 2,000 children in early childhood and afterschool programs every week.  

All early childhood and afterschool programs are implementing the HEPA standards, which include:  

• Establishing a minimum of expected physical activity for children of different ages enrolled in Y programs;

• Defining food and beverages offerings, including designating water as the primary beverage during snack times and offering fruits and vegetables as snack options;

 • Limiting the amount of screen time  (watching TV, playing video games, and using computers);

• Encouraging breastfeeding of infants in the Y’s care; and

• Committing Ys to conducting parent education to encourage healthy behaviors at home.

“Like the Y, Precor believes that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, our neighbors, and our community,” said Paul Byrne, President. “By collaborating, we have a greater potential to help more people make positive lifestyle choices.” 

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is one of 50 YMCAs to receive a grant from Precor as part of the $300,000 gift to YMCA of the USA, the resource office for the nation’s YMCAs, to support the implementation of the HEPA standards in YMCA early childhood and afterschool programs.  Locally the funding will be used to support infrastructure opportunities such as purchasing supplies and equipment, and staff trainings that can help the YMCA to provide a healthy sustainable environment in an early childhood or afterschool site. 

About PrecorPrecor designs and builds premium fitness equipment for effective workouts that feel smooth and natural. Our equipment is chosen by health clubs, hotels, spas and individuals all over the world. For nearly three decades we’re driven fitness forward with a passionate focus on ergonomic motion, proven science, and superior engineering. We constantly study and anticipate the needs of the people and organizations we serve, and continually redefine the levels of innovation, quality and service necessary to deliver the very best fitness experiences – all with the goal of improving the ways people improve themselves. precor.com
About the YThe Y is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being while providing opportunities to give back and support the community.
The Ys Mission is to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Its six branch facilities are located in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne providing:
• Quality all-day and after-school child care, pre-school classes, recreational and enrichment programs e.g. swimming, sports, arts, computer activities and day and sleep-away camps;• Teen programs that help build self-esteem and leadership skills;• Wellness programs for adults and seniors.