By Amanda Eamich, USDA Director of Web Communications
Cross-Posted from the White House Open Government Blog
The moment of truth has come. In March, the First Lady challenged the talented and kid-savvy innovators across the country to build games and tools that inspire and empower kids and their parents to get active and eat healthy. Over the past four months, hundreds of students, developers, and entrepreneurs have dreamed up new ideas, teamed up with their peers in game jams across the country, and toiled to build something really special—something that will move the needle on childhood obesity.
Now, it is your turn to weigh in. Test the tools. Take a video game or two out for a test drive. See which ones get you hooked and get you moving. Watch the kids in your life love ‘em or leave ‘em. Spread the word—share your favorites with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace. You can find all 95 of the final entries online.
And, of course, don’t forget to vote. Public voting begins today and is open until noon on August 14th. Your top picks will take home the $4,500 Popular Choice award and be honored at a White House event in September.
The Apps for Healthy Kids all-star panel of judges will be reviewing submissions alongside you this summer, to select a Grand Prize Winner, Runner Up, Honorable Mention, and GE Healthymagination Student Awards for both the “Tool” and “Game” categories.
Learn more about the full $60,000 in prizes and judging criteria at http://www.appsforhealthykids.com/.
