The next step of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge is asking parents in Grey Highlands, Southgate and Chatsworth to make water the first choice for quenching thirst.
The Water Does Wonders Campaign is encouraging families to eliminate sugary beverages from their diets.
Currently 20% of calories consumed by Canadian children aged 4-18 comes from beverages, which make up the single largest source of sugar in kids' diets.
Local communities will promote the campaign with information booths a local events with a "Sugar Shocker" display.
They''ll provide refillable water bottles for elementary students, and provide schools with resources and activities to include in the curriculum.
Organizers hope to promote water as the convenient and low cost thirst quencher.
The challenge promotes healthy eating, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.
The South East Grey area is receiving up to $125,000 per year from Ontario to fund local community projects.
The first theme was Run, Jump, Play, Every Day, which included after school programs, a skate exchange, and free public skating
Children need lots of water to stay hydrated and healthy. Water makes up more than half of a child's weight. Research has shown that when children are used to consuming water at a young age, they are more likely to drink water later in life.
“The benefits of drinking water are clear. Water helps to regulate our body temperature, carry nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, aids digestion and waste removal, and cushions organs and joints. Access to free and safe drinking water is important to children’s growth and development and sets a pattern of healthy habits for life.” says Dr. Christine Kennedy, medical officer of health, Grey Bruce Health Unit.