Sanford fit, established in 2010, is a community health program by Sanford Health designed to empower caregivers, teachers, and community members with the tools to help children build healthy habits for life.
We know that kids can be picky eaters, have big emotions, and often spend a lot of time on screens. But with the right guidance and support, they can also learn to make healthier choices when it comes to food, behavior, and physical activity.
Sanford fit offers resources that help kids build strong, positive habits that will set them up for a lifetime of well-being.
Discover: Sanford fit’s free resources
“We want to educate, motivate and inspire children of all ages to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle,” said Amy Baete, fit’s program director.
“A lot of children’s health programs focus exclusively on exercise or healthy eating. What makes us unique is that we emphasize the importance of getting enough sleep, recharging without a screen, and understanding how our energy and mood affect the choices we make.”
Free Online Resources for Building Healthy Habits in Kids
The Sanford fit program offers a wide range of expert-backed resources, including classroom lessons, videos, slideshows, printables, articles, interactive games, and activities. Each resource is grounded in the latest research to ensure it's both effective and user-friendly – all completely free to access.
“Our content addresses today’s most critical health and wellness issues in a way that’s aligned with age-appropriate social and emotional learning skills and national health education standards,” Baete said.
By offering all resources online for free, fit is giving everyone the tools to make a positive difference in the lives of children.
“Evidence suggests that kids who feel supported by their family and friends to become active and make healthy food choices are more likely to participate in those behaviors,” Baete said. “Together, we’re helping kids build a foundation for healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”
‘Do the most good’
Sanford fit is part of Sanford Health’s key initiatives created with a philanthropic gift from Denny Sanford.
“Mr. Sanford’s vision is to invest in where you can do the most good. And we’ve done a really incredible job of that with this program,” Baete said. “Knowing that our work helps kids feel happier and better about themselves is incredibly motivating.”
fit’s resource library has grown to over 500 free resources, reaching more than 17 million people across 200+ countries. The program continues to expand its online community, and thousands of resources being downloaded, reflecting the growing reach and impact of its work. With a strong base of email subscribers and millions of views across its social media platforms, fit continues to engage a growing audience. This success has garnered widespread recognition: fit has earned Digital Health Awards for excellence in social media and video content over multiple years. Additionally, the team has received prestigious DANDA awards, highlighting the ongoing quality and influence of their efforts.
To address the growing teen mental health crisis, Sanford fit has expanded its focus to include teen-specific resources. In partnership with BeHEARD and with support from First International Bank & Trust, the program launched Teen Mental Health Resources, along with aimed at supporting teens' well-being and providing essential support for families. The program continues its mission to raise awareness and combat the stigma surrounding teen mental health.
Beyond the online materials, the fit team is also bringing the program to life in community spaces. For example:
- Interactive fitZones in various locations offer children the opportunity to engage in fun, educational activities like wheelchair races, virtual reality bicycles, and dance gaming systems.
- Wellness centers and community spaces across the region offer fitZones that promote physical activity, including classes like ninja warrior training and other movement-based activities for kids.
- Sanford fit remains committed to advocating for pediatric hospital wait spaces that make young patients feel seen and valued. In collaboration with Sanford Children's clinics across the enterprise, several clinics now feature thoughtfully designed waiting areas that provide sensory paths, yoga walls, educational opportunities, and inclusive, meaningful messages to support children and their families during their visit.
- Community events and collaborations with local schools to engage kids in activities that promote healthy habits.
- Collaboration with Sanford PROMISE (Program for the Midwest Initiative in Science Exploration) to bring young learners a video lesson about the science behind healthy choices and the kidneys.
Creating Healthy Habits for Lifelong Wellness
At its core, fit is an investment in the future of children.
“Recent data from the CDC indicates that 20.7% of children age 6–11 are obese. Rates of youth mental illness are on the rise. Only one in three children are active every day,” Baete said.
She adds, "This innovative children's health promotion program strives to be the trusted source for children's health and wellness resources, fostering a brighter future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. By cultivating healthy habits early on, we are investing in the well-being of our next generation and building a healthier society for years to come."
Sanford fit will continue its mission to provide valuable, impactful resources for children, families, and caregivers. The team is excited to expand their teen resource library further and strengthen partnerships with clinics to enhance pediatric wait spaces. In addition, Sanford fit is committed to increasing its community presence by hosting events and engaging directly with families to ensure their resources reach those who need them most.
