Childhood obesity is on the rise, but a new school program aims to make kids veggie-literate. And the way to encourage that is through education and including kids in making food decisions, which Is what Island Health’s Eat Well, Get Moving program is about.
This ninth annual campaign runs from February to April 30. Participating schools are challenged to encourage students to increase their fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity. Students are given Crunch and Go cards to track the number of vegetable and fruits they eat, and the amount of physical activity they do each day.
“We know childhood obesity, unfortunately, is still climbing and it’s important to help children build healthy habits,” said Island Health community dietician Jodi Holland. “The Crunch and Go Cards encourages them to keep track of the fruits and vegetables they eat and to actually do it everyday.”
Cards are collected at the end of each month and entered into a prize draw. Some of the monthly prizes include class pizza parties, Thrifty Foods grocery store tours, and passes to local activity centres and sporting events such as skate and pool parties for an entire class.
Grand prizes, based on classrooms and schools with the highest participation level, include a Sportball program for 10 classes, balloon creations by Par-T-Perfect Victoria and a full program package at the Boys and Girls Club Outdoor Centre.
Learn more at www.fitinfitness.ca.