The new government-sponsored contest Apps for Healthy Kids has sparked the creation of innovative health-focused games. Here are some of our favorites.
How do you get kids to exercise and make healthy eating choices? The solution is simple: turn it into a game.
That’s the philosophy behind Apps for Healthy Kids, a new competition launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and the U.S. government as part of Obama’s war against childhood obesity. The contest will distribute $60,000 in prize money to game and software developers who come up with the most fun and compelling online games, using data from the USDA, that can encourage children to ditch the Cheetos and cheeseburgers and make a transition to a healthier lifestyle.
Contest entries were accepted through June, and now, members of the public were invited to vote for their favorite games at the project’s website. Public voting just ended, but the winners haven’t been announced yet. Nonetheless, here are a few of our favorites.
Blubber Blaster
Win this arcade-style game, developed within Second Life, by shooting unhealthy foods that pop up on the screen. You’ll lose points for shooting healthy foods, so it’s a great way for kids to learn about what should be going into their stomachs.
Chef Solus and the Food Pyramid Adventure
In this game, kids can learn about each block of the food pyramid while engaging in fun virtual adventures, like dodging animals and riding a zip line.
Eating Madness
In this fast-paced game, kids have to choose quickly to find healthy foods to eat, and must stay within a certain number of calories to win.
Lunch Line
Lunch Line, “a game of wits and cottage cheese,” simulates a real-life school cafeteria line. The player must dodge other students and choose from a wide menu in order to find the healthy choices that will help him win the game.