Helping the next generation learn great nutrition
by Karen Gaudette
This article was originally published in March 2011
With childhood illnesses and obesity on the rise locally and across the nation, it’s vital that our youngest generation makes the connection between what they eat and their health.
Beginning this spring, PCC is reaching out to kids, parents, schools and our community in a big way to share our knowledge of healthy foods, nutrition and cooking, and encourage fitness through partnerships with local organizations such as Seattle Parks and Recreation. We’re calling this initiative PCC Healthy Kids and we hope it boosts awareness of the value of good nutrition and results in a lifetime of wellness for the thousands who will participate at home, at school and in our stores.
Here’s just a sampling of the first year of PCC Healthy Kids:
For children — A free serving of a fruit or a vegetable of their choice with each PCC visit and an increased focus on fresh products, whole grains and proteins at PCC Kid Picks taste tests.
For parents — More than 1,700 kid-tasted and approved items labeled in our stores for easy shopping and the chance to ask a registered dietitian childhood nutrition questions via our PCC Kid Picks Facebook page.
For the community — PCC will hold summertime food drives; underwrite obesity prevention workshops with KCTS 9; and continue to partner with Seattle Children’s Hospital on the Families Helping Families program to raise money for childhood health education — up to $10,000 via five percent of sales from all Kid Picks-approved items in the month of May. PCC also will provide classroom space and promotion for the Gluten Intolerance Group program Teen Advocates for Gluten Sensitivities (TAGS).
For schools — PCC will partner with Seattle Public Schools to organize Market Nights at lower-income schools to provide free produce and recipes. PCC also will develop a nutrition curriculum and training for fifth-grade teachers based on current education requirements and provide nutrition and whole foods training for food service staff.
Good nutrition leads to a healthier life and has been proven to have positive effects on learning, says Laurie Albrecht, director of marketing and membership for PCC.
“A life of good nutrition will help lead to a life of good health,” says Albrecht. “We’re thrilled to give back to our community.”
Learn more about the program in its entirety at pcchealthykids.com.