Food Day 2014 Post Press Release
OVER 103,000 SOUTH FLORIDA STUDENTS AND PARENTS TOOK THE ORANGE CHALLENGE AND LEARNED ABOUT HEALTHY FOOD TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL FOOD DAY
Residents of the Tri-County Area (Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach) answered the question “Orange you Going to Eat an Orange?” when more than 103,000 students and parents peeled and ate oranges and participated in healthy grocery store tours and a screening of the movie Fed Up in honor of Food Day 2014.
Increasing American’s access to healthful food was this year’s special focus for the fourth annual Food Day and FLIPANY, a local non-profit that empowers families to embrace a healthier lifestyle with hands-on nutrition and physical fitness programs partnered with Early Learning Centers and Schools in Broward and Palm Beach County, Department of Health in Broward County, Florida International University in Miami, and TOUCH (Transforming our Community’s Health) managed by Broward Regional Health Planning Council to plan activities for children and families on or around Food Day.
Community members and volunteers learned how to make Zucchini Pasta with Butternut Squash and learned about the nutrients found in whole foods grown at the Dania Beach PATCH Market Garden through FLIPANY’s Healthy Food Demonstration on October 25th. Broward County Schools served 100,000 students oranges to participate in the orange challenge on October 23rd and FLIPANY served oranges to 2,900 kids through their Afterschool Meal Program in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties the week of October 20th. The kids also learned about why Oranges and fruit, in general, are healthy for them.
On Food Day, 120 mothers participated in Healthy Food Demonstrations delivered at all WIC locations by the Department of Health in Broward County. Students from Nova Southeastern University School of Nursing and FLIPANY culinary staff conducted the presentations. The participants learned about the health benefits of Kale and helped with the preparation of the Kale salad. They received recipe cards to try making the recipe at home as well.
Other South Florida Food Day activities included Cooking Matters at the Store Tours in the tri-county area. FLIPANY’s nutritionists and culinary staff led these healthy grocery store tours. Participants were given a $10 gift card at the end of the hour and half tour after they took the challenge of choosing a healthy meal for 4 on $10. The participants really enjoyed the tour and many of them left with healthy items they purchased with the gift card. One participant stated that she learned how to make healthier choices while shopping at the supermarket. Chef Christine introduced the participants to steel cut oats as a healthy alternative to breakfast cereal. Many of the participants were excited to learn about new foods and stated that they were eager to try it at home.
About FLIPANY
Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth (FLIPANY), a local non-profit organization, empowers youth and adults through nutrition and fitness programs while raising awareness and creating policy changes for healthier, more food secure communities. The Florida partner of the national Share our Strength’s Cooking Matters program, FLIPANY has been instrumental in helping the community recognize the importance of their health, how to make healthy lifestyle choices, and the critical role nutrition and physical activity plays in the health and development of children and adults. To date, FLIPANY’s nutrition and fitness professionals have educated over 30,000 participants, worked with over 500 volunteers and partnered with more than 60 community agencies to combat childhood hunger and obesity. For more information or to make a donation, call 954-636-2388 or visit www.FLIPANY.org.
