Stop & Shop Inspires Healthy Habits Through its “Healthy Kids Summit”

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC hosted a “Healthy Kids Summit” at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., with help from local community experts including Red Sox leftfielder, Daniel Nava, the YMCA of Greater Boston; Elizabeth M. Ward, M.S., R.D. The Hood “Answer Mom,” and the Boston Public Health Commission. The free event took place in July, drawing more than 200 local residents and customers, educated parents, care givers and children on the important nutrition and exercise information needed to make overall healthier life choices. Special guest Daniel Nava shared tips on how he and his teammates stay healthy and fit both on and off the field. Before a big game, Nava said he fuels up on protein, fruit with honey and plenty of water to hydrate. To maintain strength and recover after a workout, Nava and the rest of the Red Sox stock up on foods from all areas of MyPlate including salmon, chicken and vegetables. When Mayor Thomas M. Menino launched Boston Moves for Health, an ambitious initiative to improve the health and wellness of the city by increasing access to free and low-cost physical activities and healthy living resources, he noted that 50% of adults and one in three school-aged children in Boston are either overweight or obese. With events such as today’s Healthy Kids Summit, Stop & Shop is hoping to encourage local children and their families to stay healthy and active this summer by making the healthy choice, the easy choice. “For many families, healthy eating habits begin at home which is why Stop & Shop is continuously seeking ways to positively impact the well being of the people in the communities in which we serve,” said Suzi Robinson, spokesperson for Stop & Shop New England Division. “We are committed to helping our customers make beneficial decisions while shopping and are excited to bring together these great community leaders today in an effort to inspire the Boston community and beyond.” The Healthy Kids Summit was comprised of a brief and highly interactive 30-minute panel discussion led by community leaders and experts. Participants included:

As part of the panel discussion, kids and audience members were tasked to show their knowledge and prove their listening skills with a brief trivia game which incorporated key facts on nutrition, exercise, a balanced lifestyle and simple tips and techniques to staying fit. The trivia was followed by an energetic Zumba fitness routine led by Monique Rogers from the YMCA of Greater Boston, and a health fair. “Our goal is to help Boston residents get healthier and get more active. Through the Boston Moves for Health program, we are making more healthy resources available, like free and low-cost exercise classes and walking groups,” said Dr. Huy Nguyen, medical director, Boston Public Health Commission. “We are so pleased that Stop & Shop is a partner in sharing our message with local residents and community members about getting on a path to better health and nutrition. Together we can meet the goal of being a healthier, more active city.”