By: Jay Feldman
As childhood obesity rates have tripled since the 1970s, one teen is stepping up to make a difference. A passionate high school student, Kara Oakes turned her concern about America’s youth health crisis into a powerful movement. Through her nonprofit, Healthy Bites with Kara, she is changing how children learn about nutrition—making it fun, interactive, and educational.
A Personal Mission Turned Movement
“I couldn’t just watch my friends struggle with unhealthy eating habits,” Kara shares. This personal connection to the issue fueled her to take action, transforming her concern into a full-fledged nonprofit. While most teens are busy with school and social activities, Kara was already focused on creating a program that would impact hundreds of young lives.
Building a nonprofit as a teenager isn’t easy. Kara faced the challenges of securing funding, building community support, and managing a growing organization. However, with determination and guidance from local mentors, Kara made her dream a reality.
Storytelling: The Secret Ingredient
One of the core aspects of Healthy Bites with Kara is its unique approach to nutrition education. Kara wrote The Great Healthy Race, a colorful children’s book that turns learning about nutrition into an exciting adventure. The book features engaging characters who teach kids about healthy eating, making topics like fruits and vegetables feel like a fun and thrilling journey.
“The kids are captivated,” says Sarah Thompson, an elementary school teacher who has hosted Kara’s program. “They leave the classroom informed and eager to make healthier food choices. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Hands-On Learning That Sticks
Beyond storytelling, Kara’s program offers hands-on learning experiences. The nonprofit organizes family-friendly classes where children and parents work together to discover the world of nutrition. These sessions teach practical skills for making healthy eating part of everyday life. Kids and parents are encouraged to explore healthy foods, learn new recipes, and share experiences in an interactive, supportive environment.
“The results have been amazing,” says Maria Rodriguez, a mother whose children attended Kara’s classes. “My kids now ask for vegetables at dinner, which I never thought would happen!”
Community Impact and Growth
Kara’s program has gone beyond individual families to become a crucial part of the local community. To expand its reach, Healthy Bites with Kara has partnered with schools, libraries, and community centers. These partnerships have helped spread the message of healthy eating to an even larger audience, involving teachers, local leaders, and parents.
“What makes our program special is how it brings communities together,” Kara explains. “When parents, educators, and local organizations work toward the same goal, real change happens.”
Measuring Success, Planning Growth
The impact of Healthy Bites with Kara is evident in the positive changes seen in the families who participate in the program. Kara isn’t stopping there—she has big expansion plans. She aims to create an additional book series focusing on different nutrients and expand her reach to children nationwide.
With childhood obesity rates on the rise, programs like Healthy Bites with Kara offer hope for a healthier future. “Every child deserves to grow up healthy and strong,” Kara says. “It’s about showing them that healthy eating can be fun, delicious, and exciting.”
To learn more about Kara’s mission and upcoming events, visit Healthybiteswithkara.org. As Kara often says, “Creating a healthier future starts with how we come together as a community.”
Published by Kaye A.
