The Cook County Family Connection says 1 out of 3 children in Cook county are obese or overweight.
The director says the mental affects of obesity are heavy.
"I find the kids who are overweight feel a little isolated and don't necessarily fit in as well," said Zoe Myers.
Then the problem grows.
The rate of adult diabetes in the county is almost twice as high as the state rate.
Now the county has a way to fight back.
The Cook County Family Connection just received a $360,000 grant to help get residents healthy.
"We're hoping to get them out and about and active in the community with parks and gardens,"program organizer Lydia McDaniel
Healthy food options are also limited.
The city of Sparks doesn't have any grocery stores.
Residents have to drive to 1 of the 2 in Adel or stop at a convenience store.
The grant will help provide health food options that are currently limited.
The organization plans to provide both stationary and mobile markets to make fresh produce more accessible to residents.
The grant will be spread out over 4 years.
More than 500 communities across the nation applied.