CARLISLE, Pa. — Nutritionists at Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets have developed Passport to Nutrition, a Web-based resource that educates kids ages 6 to 10 about nutritious eating and healthy lifestyles.
“Fighting obesity starts at home and extends to the supermarket,” spokesman Christopher Brand told SN. “This is a great tool that you can not only use at home but also bring to the classroom.”
Designed for kids, their parents and teachers, content is based on recommendations from the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children, or CLOCC. Videos, songs, games and printable handouts are used to teach lessons about the Food Pyramid and physical activity, reading food labels, and healthy snacks and beverages. The resource can be found at giantfoodstores.com/kidhealthyideas or martinsfoods.com/kidhealthyideas.
Before its launch, the program was piloted with parents, children and teachers.
“The catchy tunes, games and videos were well-received,” said Brand.
Passport to Nutrition is an extension of kid-friendly nutrition classes held over the summer at the six Giant/Martin’s stores with on-site nutritionists.
Giant/Martin’s also educates children through Kids Healthy Ideas field trips and cooking classes.
Passport to Nutrition comes a week after the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation announced a new online curriculum that promotes healthy weight in kids through energy balance. The free resource is designed for educators teaching kindergarten through fifth grade. It can be accessed at www.energybalance101.com.
