Calvin Carrot or Penelope Pear could be the star in the next adventure flowing out of a young person’s imagination at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum.
The museum and Munson Healthcare are partnering in a new nutrition series aimed at helping youngsters understand the importance of making good choices when it comes to snacks and meals.
“We know that one-in-three children in the U.S. are overweight or obese,” said Tara Rybicki, R.D., coordinator of Community Health for Munson Healthcare. “We see this new program as a fun way to teach young children and their parents about nutrition and how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet.”
The partnership involves four classes, one per quarter in 2019, targeted to preschool and elementary-aged children. The class will involve a hands-on education activity, healthy snack, and take-home materials to help families begin “choosing well.”
The first class will be from 10:30 a.m. - noon on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at the museum.
Among the activities is an opportunity for the youngster to create a storyline involving fruit and vegetable characters. Participants also are taught about the importance of eating different colored fruits and vegetables, as well as leading an active life by tracking their “move-it minutes.”
Museum Development Director Lisa Pointe said the class would be included with the $7 admission fee to the museum, or free for Museum members. Children under 1 year old are free.
“We see this collaboration with Munson Healthcare as something that fits well with our community mission to promote learning,” Pointe said. “Understanding early in life how important our food choices are can have lasting benefits for the child and our community.”
More information on Munson Healthcare wellness programs can be found at munsonhealthcare.org/choose-to-be-well.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum is located at 13240 S. West Bay Shore Drive in Traverse City. More information can be found at greatlakeskids.org.