WASHINGTON, July 14, 2010 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the public voting period for the Apps for Healthy Kids competition begins today and will conclude on August 14 at noon EDT. During this time, members of the public are invited to test and vote on their favorite game and tool submissions on the www.AppsForHealthyKids.com. The public's top picks will determine the two winners of the $4,500 Popular Choice Award.
"USDA is committed to doing our part to end childhood obesity in this generation and the Apps for Healthy Kids competition is a great way to harness the combined creativity of game developers, local youth and adults to work collaboratively to produce fun, innovative games and tools that promote healthy lifestyles," said Vilsack. "We are excited to showcase the talent of our nation's innovators while encouraging nutritious food choices and physical activity."
As part of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign, this competition was designed to inspire software developers, game designers and students from around the country to create engaging apps that will motivate children to choose healthier food options and become more physically active. By fall 2010, a total of $60,000 in prize money will be awarded to 12 winners in various categories, who will be honored at a White House event in Washington, D.C.
Since the competition began in March, 95 submissions were accepted from students, developers, designers and organizations. In addition to the Popular Choice Award, other winners will be selected by a panel of judges that included top industry experts, such as Apple Computer Co-Founder Steve Wozniak and Zynga CEO Mark Pincus. The judges will determine the winner based on five main criteria, including potential to impact the target audience, potential to engage and motivate target audience, and creativity and originality.
The Department of Agriculture is an active member of the Let's Move! Team, alongside the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. The Apps for Healthy Kids competition is a collaborative initiative of the Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion and Food and Nutrition Service, the White House Office of the First Lady, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. For more information on the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative, visit www.LetsMove.gov.
