Late 2009, RGK Foundation began developing a strategic and measured approach to address the nation's childhood obesity epidemic by focusing on the improvement of middle school children's health through physical activity. While many factors–such as diet, exercise, family history, psychological, environmental, developmental, and socioeconomic status–can influence children's risk of becoming overweight, it is widely acknowledged that a critical part of healthy living and weight loss is physical activity. In the summer of 2010, RGK Foundation commissioned internationally regarded researcher Steven H. Kelder, PhD, MPH, Co-Director, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Advancement of Healthy Living to review: (1) the demographic profile of middle school children in Texas; (2) middle school physical education programs with demonstrated efficacy in raising levels of physical activity; (3) middle school physical education professional guidelines, recommendations and best practices; and (4) physical education policies intended to increase levels of physical activity among middle school children.

Kelder's report, Stuck in the Middle: The False Choice Between Health and Education in Texas Middle Schools, was published in October of 2010 and includes recommendations for programs and policies. The Report is available here and RGK Foundation encourages interested parties to review and share the report without requesting permission.

In response to RGK Foundation's Request for Proposals (RFP) issued in December 2010, the following agencies were selected to receive advocacy mini grants:

1. The Cooper Institute - Dallas, Texas
2. Children at Risk - Houston, Texas
3. Marathon Kids - Austin, Texas
4. Texas Impact Education Fund - Austin, Texas
5. United Way Metropolitan - Dallas, Texas