According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 youth in the United States live with obesity, with Black and Latino children and teens disproportionately impacted. In North Carolina, CDC and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data show that nearly 1 in 5 youth ages 6–17 are affected and more than 15% of high school students are already living with obesity and related health risks.
These patterns reflect uneven access to consistent movement opportunities credible nutrition education and affordable healthy food across many communities.
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Through collaborative partnerships and culturally aligned coaching, the Eat Drink Disrupt (EDD) Fit & Fuel tennis program combines movement, mentorship and whole food plant-based nutrition
education to support healthier outcomes for youth while lifelong habits are still forming.
EDD Fit Youth Tennis Program
EDD Fit July Recap Reel
EDD Fit and Fuel Program Greenville SC
EDD Fit and Fuel Tennis Power is Giving
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Hosted at Sugar Creek Park’s Tennis and Recreation Center in Charlotte, EDD Fit & Fuel Tennis delivers two free, three-hour sessions per program, offered three times annually. Youth ages 5–17 spend the day moving, playing, learning basic tennis and fitness skills, and taking part in age-appropriate whole food, plant-based nutrition education, fueled by healthy snacks and fresh produce.
Participants leave with take-home bags that include additional snacks, produce, family-friendly recipe cards, and nutrition resources to share with their families, along with access to mentorship opportunities beyond the program, supported by culturally aligned coaches, nutrition professionals, volunteers, and caring staff from Mecklenburg County and Power is Giving.
A CULTURALLY-ALIGNED COACHING MODEL
The EDD Fit & Fuel Tennis program is co-led by former Division I tennis athletes primarily from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and an onsite whole food, plant-based nutrition professional.
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Tennis and fitness instruction are delivered by coaches who share lived experience and cultural alignment with communities most impacted by lifestyle-driven chronic illness, while welcoming and serving all participating Mecklenburg County youth ages 5–17 enrolled in Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation summer camp programs through our collaborative partnership.
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This approach builds trust, reinforces accountability, and ensures instruction is high-quality and culturally relevant.
2026 PROGRAM ​​​DATES
June 19, July 17, August 7
