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It is not uncommon for Kids Eat Smart
volunteers to hear, “Whole wheat bread? My child won’t eat it!” But
it turns out that they will — when their friends do.
Kids Eat Smart Foundation advocates the
education, health, and well-being of school children by supporting
quality, community-based nutrition programs. Volunteers run Kids Eat
Smart programs on school days at participating schools and community
centres, where all students are welcome and nutritious foods are
served in an informal, social atmosphere.
All Hallows is a K-6 school in Clarke’s
Beach. Robert Tarrant is the school’s vice-principal and Kids Eat
Smart volunteer. He says: “From day one, we served only 100 per cent
whole wheat bread because maximal nutritional benefit is part of our
program. And to parents’ surprise, the kids like it. And they take
the habits home for maximum long-term benefit.”
Carl George, teacher, breakfast
advocate and Kids Eat Smart volunteer at Prince of Wales Collegiate
in St. John’s reports that his high school students have similar
habits. At 8:15 on school days, young men and young women step down
from their 45-minute bus ride and sashay into the breakfast room,
where they hang out and help themselves and others to bagels, cream
cheese (light), cereal, and other nutritious choices. George says:
“The breakfast program is part of the school culture, and good
nutrition is what the breakfast program is about. The muesli was not
an instant hit, but one or two students had it, then chose it again,
then a few more, and now it’s a favorite.”
This report is supported by the recent
survey for Teen Nutrition Health Professionals (Rhona Harding,
University of Waterloo and Linda McCargar, University of Alberta),
published online by the Alberta Beef Information centre. The
question posed was “Who are teens most likely to trust as a source
of health and nutrition information?” Thirty-five and one half per
cent of students chose their best friend, 31.9 per cent chose
teacher/coach. Comparatively, parents/grandparents came in at 16.2
per cent and doctor/nurse at 10.2 per cent.
PWC students Janene Guy and Jessica
Walsh say that they come to breakfast at school because the food is
good, because it’s fun, and they enjoy seeing friends. With early
morning bus departures and the all-important ‘getting ready’, Kids
Eat Smart programs offer the nutritious foods, and the opportunity
to socialize, that students need to be their best.
Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland
and Labrador is a registered charitable organization. Donations can
be made online at
www.kidseatsmart.ca, or by calling 1-877-722-1996
Kim Todd is director of development and
awareness with the Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and
Labrador. |
