2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To develop a long-term partnership to foster the development of effective wellness/fitness programs in the Greater Grand Forks Community that will provide opportunities for community based research addressing issues related to the prevention of obesity. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The Grand Forks Parks District (GFPD) will work with community groups to develop wellness/fitness programs and facilities in the Greater Grand Forks Community. The Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center (GFHNRC) will work with the GFPD to advise on issues related to the health needs of citizens, and the design and implementation of those programs/facilities. Both institutions will work together to identify strategic linkages that will meet the goals of the GFPD and advance the research mission of the GFHNRC. 3.Progress Report We collaborated with the Grand Forks Park District in a summer parks based program for 300 elementary schoolers, in which we used sessions emphasizing personal hygiene and healthy food choices, to determine the feasibility of using pedometers to assess unmonitored physical activity in this age group. We found subjects in this age group eager to learn about healthy foods when presented in a hands-on, “build your own healthy snack” modality.