Our Story

In the Winter of 2010, Kids Walk Across America was just a dream. Nationwide attention was focused on the issue of child obesity and the declining general health of American kids due to unhealthy diets, more sedentary lifestyles and other causes. Sparked largely by first lady Michele Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, Americans were challenged to reverse this trend in a single generation by making changes in community, school and family life. But, for many neighborhood schools and after-school programs, this presented a big challenge. These organizations were already struggling to offer quality fitness and nutrition programs due to increased budget cuts and a toughening economy.

The creators of So Fresh Market wanted to help. As a local business in the South Bay community, So Fresh Market was already committed to giving back to local schools, and had good relationships with many schools, organizations and business leaders. Keeping kids and the economy in mind, we wanted to create a fun fitness and nutrition program that could be provided free of charge for any family to participate.

Almost overnight, creative inspiration gave seed to Kids Walk Across America! We launched the program on May 8, 2010, with over 100 kids and parents making a 1.5 mile virtual walk of California inside Del Amo Fashion Center! This marked the first of 50 state walks that will be presented over 50 weeks, along with a weekly Saturday morning program of fitness fun, nutrition helps and craft activities.

Kids Walk Across America is a 501c3 non-profit organization.