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Oklahoma Action for Healthy Kids Welcome to the Oklahoma Team Action for Healthy Kids is the nation’s leading nonprofit and largest volunteer network fighting childhood obesity and undernourishment by partnering with schools and communities to improve nutrition and physical activity to help us to eat right and be active every day.
NFL Star Chris Chamberlain partners with Oklahoma Action for Healthy Pleasant Hill Elementary Celebrates National School Breakfast Week 2013 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, March 8, 2013 –Studies show that students who eat school breakfast increase their math and reading scores and improve their cognitive speed and memory, according to the Food Research and Action Center. However, fewer than half of the children that receive lunch at school also receive breakfast. To encourage more participation in the School Breakfast Program, Oklahoma Action for Healthy Kids (OAHK), Dairy MAX, and Fuel up to Play 60 teamed up with Pleasant Hill Elementary in the Mid-Del School District, and NFL Star and native Oklahoman Chris Chamberlain to celebrate National School Breakfast Week. Chamberlain showed up at Pleasant Hill Elementary to increase awareness of the School Breakfast Program among students and parents. The 2013 theme, “Be a Star with School Breakfast,” highlights how eating a balanced breakfast at school can help students shine like their favorite stars in the movies, on the field, and on TV. Every school day, Mid-Del’s breakfast program offers students the healthy foods they need to get set for a busy school day. A school breakfast costs only $1.50 per student, so it is a nutritional and economical bargain. Parents are encouraged to check out school breakfast and eat with their kids too, for just $1.85per adult! Families that qualify for a free or reduced lunch can also qualify for a free or reduced price breakfast, which is a great benefit to families. Each school breakfast includes low-fat or fat free milk, whole grains, and fruit or 100% fruit juice, and meets federal nutrition standards limiting fat and portion size. Healthy school breakfasts can be a lifesaver for busy parents too. “It’s a race for any family to get their kids ready, fed and out the door in time for school,” said Kevin Ponce, Mid-Del Child Nutrition Director. “Knowing that their children can eat a healthy breakfast at school can be a huge relief for parents.” “Be a Star with School Breakfast” was created by the non-profit School Nutrition Association with support from Kellogg’s Foodservice. This national campaign recognizes National School Breakfast Week, launched in 1989 to raise awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program (SBP) to all children and the links between eating a good breakfast, academic achievement and healthy lifestyles. OAHK encourages schools across the state to promote school breakfast at any time during the year by duplicating event efforts, or creating their own with tips from Fuel Up to Play 60 (http://www.FuelUpToPlay60.org), such as creating special menus and decorations, activities, and school breakfast related brainteasers to help students to warm up their brains before they head to class. At Pleasant Hill Elementary, students created posters and decorations highlighting school breakfast in OAHK core team members planning the breakfast event include representatives from Dairy MAX, OU Children’s Physicians, and the Center for the Advancement of Wellness. They were joined by OAHK members and volunteers from Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, Homeland, OU Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse, United Way OKC, Oklahoma County Extension Office, Oklahoma City County Health Department, State Health Department, and Health Teacher. Action for Healthy Kids is the nation’s leading nonprofit and largest volunteer network fighting childhood obesity and undernourishment by partnering with schools and communities to improve nutrition and physical activity. Click here for more information about Oklahoma Action for Healthy Kids and to join the team.
Looking Ahead Oklahoma Action for Healthy Kids brings together state partners and organizations with a similar mission of focusing on healthy families and communities. Our action plan includes three components: 1. Quarterly interactive meetings 2. Members encouraged to engage in our social media campaign focusing on our mission 3. Identify and provide resources and funding opportunities for schools throughout the state focusing on healthy eating and physical activity. Get Involved
There are many opportunities to get involved with Action for Healthy Kids in Oklahoma--from becoming a team member, to attending Action for Healthy Kids’ events, to making a financial contribution--you can help create a safer environment for our communities. |
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