The Challenges Facing Youth
Hunger, Obesity, and Mental Health
Across the U.S., children are facing a triple health challenge: food insecurity, obesity, and mental health struggles. Nearly 14 million kids live in homes that struggle to put food on the table, 1 in 5 youth — more than 14 million kids — live with obesity, and about 1 in 5 adolescents face a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition.
These challenges don’t exist in isolation; they accumulate, holding children back in school, on the sports field, and in life.
The Stats
Food Insecurity: 14 million children live in food-insecure households. (USDA, 2024)
In 2023, 14.3% of Colorado children were food insecure. (Feeding Colorado)
Obesity: 1 in 5 youth — over 14 million kids — live with obesity. (CDC, 2023)
Mental Health: 1 in 9 kids face anxiety, 1 in 12 behavior challenges, 1 in 25 depression (CDC, 2023).
What Causes This?
Socioeconomic disparities: Lower income and limited access to healthcare increase risks.
Diet and environment: High consumption of processed foods and lack of fresh options.
Systemic inequalities: Children of color and rural/low-income communities face higher risks.
Stress and trauma: Adverse childhood experiences and lack of support contribute to mental health challenges.
The Results
Without intervention, these challenges can have lasting effects:
Increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Mental health struggles that persist into adulthood.
Lower academic performance, attendance, and focus.
Reduced participation in sports and physical activity, limiting confidence and opportunity.
A Trail Forward
Research shows that movement, good nutrition, and community support can dramatically improve outcomes for kids:
- Physical activity, like biking, supports mental health and a healthy weight.
- Access to nutritious food helps kids focus, learn, and thrive physically.
- Supportive communities build resilience, self-esteem, and long-term health.
At Biked Goods, we believe food can fuel more than just rides — it can fuel change. That’s why we create sports nutrition products and education that help athletes perform their best while also giving back to kids who need it most.
Every purchase supports youth cycling and nutrition programs — getting kids access to healthy food, the joy of riding bikes, and the power of a supportive community.
Through our Fuel the Future Initiative, a portion of every cookbook, snack box, and membership sale goes directly to youth programs.
Together, we help children overcome the challenges of food insecurity, obesity, and mental health struggles, giving them the fuel, movement, and confidence to thrive in school, sports, and life.
How It Works
Every Biked Goods purchase supports youth cycling and nutrition programs — getting kids access to healthy food, the joy of riding bikes, and the power of a supportive community.
1. Fuel With Purpose
A portion of every sale from cookbooks, baked goods, and memberships goes directly to youth programs.
2. Make an Impact
Each month supports one youth cycling or nutrition program. Monthly updates show dollars raised and programs supported.
3. Join The Movement
Be part of a community that believes every child deserves to grow up nourished, active, and supported.
Fuel The Future
Through our “Fuel the Future” initiative, every cookbook, baked good, and membership helps support youth cycling and nutrition programs, giving the next generation the fuel they need to thrive — on and off the bike.
Impact
Our community of supporters can feel good knowing they are not only taking action to support their own health, but are also making a difference for young people and helping fulfill Biked Good’s vision of Fueling all walks of life for the ride of a lifetime.
Youth and cycling organizations Biked Goods proudly supports
