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Olympians join the WEA Trust to get kids to eat healthy and exercise
Released by WEA Trust — October 2007
Last year, Wisconsin Olympians Suzy Favor Hamilton and Casey FitzRandolph teamed up with the WEA Trust and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to promote healthy eating and exercise through Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools. Due to the program's widespread success, the Olympians, the Trust, and DPI teamed up again to kick off another healthy moving and eating year.
This year's event took place at Appleton East High School on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. The Appleton Area School District had eight winners including seven grade schools and Appleton East High School, the only high school in the state to receive a Movin’ and Munchin’ award.
Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools is a program for public school children, staff, and families. Its goal is to help schools organize innovative approaches to healthy eating and exercise.
As honorary chairpersons of the program, Favor Hamilton, a 3-time Olympic runner and 7-time U.S. national champion, and FitzRandolph, a 3-time Olympic speed skater and gold medalist, joined members of the WEA Trust the last two years for the kickoff event.
“Movin’ and Munchin’ helps kids focus on the right tools to achieve their goals,” FitzRandolph says.
The program will bring your district the same great benefits and potential grant money in 2007 and 2008 as it spreads to even more Wisconsin school districts.
“Programs such as Movin’ and Munchin’ can make a difference in addressing the issues of obesity and a healthy lifestyle,” says Fred Evert, WEA Trust president and CEO.
All participating schools are considered by DPI for awards of up to $500 to use for improving nutrition and physical education programs. If a school is in a Trust-insured district and at least 50% of your staff also participates, the Trust will match DPI's award.
“Exercise and healthy eating every day make for a winning combination for kids and their families,” Favor Hamilton says.
