The Apps for Healthy Kids public voting period concludes this Saturday, August 14, at noon (EDT), and there is no better time than now to add your voice and vote to the competition. To date we have received over 17,000 votes on the apps recently created by the American public in the effort to address the very serious problem of childhood obesity. We started this competition with a goal of generating innovative apps that are engaging and educational to the target audience - tweens and their parents. And the best way to judge that goal is to get the American public involved so we need you to go online try out these apps and cast your vote.
We at the USDA have been extremely pleased with the public’s involvement in the Apps for Healthy Kids competition, which is part of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative. Software developers, game designers and students submitted nearly 100 entries; over 35,000 individuals pledged support for the initiative; and now, we invite everyone to visit www.AppsforHealthyKids.com to try the apps for themselves.
Public input is an important part of the President’s Open Government initiative, and certainly plays a large part in this program. A total of $9,000 will be awarded to the top game and top tool based solely on your votes. The race for the most popular game and most popular tool is a close one! Out of the 17,000 votes cast so far, the top two leaders in one of the races are separated by just a few dozen votes. So, this could really be a “photo finish” and your vote could ultimately decide the winner!
The Apps for Healthy Kids esteemed panel of judges is also working tirelessly to evaluate and score the submissions. They will decide 10 winners (5 for the games, 5 for the tools) who will share in an additional $41,000 in prize money. These judges are doing an incredible job, and we thank them for their effort.
It’s the final stretch, and everyone is looking forward to the announcement of the 12 winners, so get involved by voting today and stay tuned!