KABOOM!, Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation

In September of 2023, the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation (ELP) announced their ambitious plans to partner with Oakland Unified School District and KABOOM! to transform 25 schoolyards throughout Oakland by the end of 2026 as part of an effort to give Oakland kids access to safe and quality places to play, nutritious meals and quality reading resources.

As part of KABOOM!’s efforts to implement the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, KABOOM! not only wanted to develop their own stand-alone commitment but also bring in trusted partners that could help expand the scope of this important work. Eat. Learn. Play. shares the same goal of expanding access to physical activity in an equitable manner, and their commitment to eliminating food disparities also made them an especially compelling partner to help achieve the goals.  A joint effort between the organizations under the banner of a shared commitment to the National Strategy made sense. “Our partnerships in Oakland are showing us what’s possible when we dream big and work together for the health and joy of our kids,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “Committing to building strong minds and bodies through play is what this work is all about and investing in them is the most important thing we can do for our collective future."

This commitment is critical for kids in Oakland because it helps meet one of their most fundamental needs: active play. When you talk to school leaders, families and kids, everyone appreciates the importance of spaces where young people can experience joy, connection, and growth. This is especially true in a community like Oakland where green spaces and playgrounds are few and far between due to disinvestment and systemic racism. Neighborhood conditions are one the primary drivers of health outcomes, and KABOOM! views this work as helping address one of the many social determinants of health: access to safe, high-quality spaces for play. Playgrounds encourage vigorous physical activity, making them an important and successful public health tool. 

“This has been transformative for the community. Caregivers are actively participating in developing the play space and educators feel that it has infused joy in a space that lacked a little bit of joy,” said Jennifer DeMelo, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Organizational Innovation, KABOOM!. “The impact it has on children and families is phenomenal.  Activities like basketball camps are increasing and the evidence is indicating this new play space is doing exactly what we had hoped it would do.”

For more information, please visit: KABOOM! Works Nationally to Achieve Play space Equity and Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation(eatlearnplay.org)☯