The proof is in the veggies
Above, Ayla Withee, a University of Connecticut dietetic student, encourages students at the Uncas School to try healthy foods. |
An effort to fight the childhood obesity epidemic will expand in the Norwich Public School system next year.
“Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds,” a partnership between Backus Hospital, Norwich’s two Rotary Clubs and Norwich Public Schools, has had a successful start in the Uncas School. The proof is what you see at lunchtime: less fatty foods and more fruits and vegetables on children’s plates.
Thanks to a $6,000 grant from Rotary District #7980, students’ eating habits have been monitored, children and parents were educated on nutrition and healthy eating has been integrated into the curriculum of the Uncas School. The lesson plans, which were developed in partnership with school faculty, will be used in other schools next year.
“I think the children enjoyed the program,” said Backus Diabetes Management Dietitian Joan Sommers, who along with her colleague, Registered Dietitian Wendy Kane, and University of Connecticut dietetic student Ayla Withee, brought the program to the school.
“They seemed very interested in healthy eating, and they got a lot out of it that we hope they will keep with them for the rest of their lives.”
With staggering statistics pointing to a worldwide childhood obesity problem, Ms. Withee said it is important to teach children about healthy eating at a young age. She made sure to expose the Uncas School students to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and was surprised to find some of them had never even tasted foods such as kiwi or green beans.
Her main message to students was to eat five fruits and vegetables per day. The program also involved integrating pedometers into gym classes, art lessons, posters and cd’s – all with healthy eating themes.
Christie Gilluly, Principal of the Uncas School, said the healthy eating program has been very beneficial to her school. She said the lesson plans developed will play an important role throughout the Norwich School system, as they will be part of a state-mandated Wellness Initiative, which must be in place by July 1.
“The kids really loved this program, and we will continue to find ways to encourage them to try healthy foods that they aren't necessarily familiar with,” she said.
Chuck Seeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Community & Family Services, and President of the Norwich Rotary, said the “Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds” initiative was a natural partnership, because “nutrition is a major issue with children, and healthy students will be able to learn better.”