CHILDHOOD OBESTIY is a national epidemic. Total societal costs are estimated at over $100 billion dollars annually. What's even worse is the emotional and physical harm caused by an entirely preventable condition. The core purpose of the Vedge' Kids video series and education platform, which feature engagingly anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables, is to inspire a generation of children to grow up leading healthier lives, dramatically reducing the occurrence of childhood obesity through prevention. With the support of the USDA/NIFA, Vedge' Kids is working on an innovative approach to nutritional education. We're researching the optimal ways to engage young children and inspire better choices, and we're implementing the results of that research directly into our products. Intervention in this area has the potential to save billions of dollars, reduce the burden on our nation's health care system and protect our most valued assets, our children.