Photos: Fighting kindergarten obesity

Teacher Adriana Rosas leads kindergarten students reciting nutrition chants at Aloha Health Medical Academy in Lakewood. The campus is part of the ABC Unified School District, which also serves Hawaiian Gardens. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 7, 2014 2:33 PM PT

A program in the city of Hawaiian Gardens aims to cut down on the very high rates of obesity in kindergarteners.

Kindergarten students recite nutrition chants at Aloha Health Medical Academy in Lakewood. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Kindergartners at Aloha Health Medical Academy in Lakewood take part in a sing-along intended to reinforce healthful eating habits. Nutrition classes for parents are also held. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Alexander Khananashvili ran community health programs for the Tri-City Regional Medical Center until funding for his position dried up. The city of Hawaiian Gardens stepped up with a stopgap solution to keep school wellness programs going, and more stable funding sources are being sought. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)