Real-time vegetable tales flowing from the minds of young participants will cue up once again at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum from 10:30 a.m. - noon on May 1.
The museum and Munson Healthcare continue their partnership begun earlier this year on the Fruit and Veggie Superstar Nutrition Series aimed at helping youngsters understand the importance of making good choices when it comes to snacks and meals.
“We had fun at our first session in January and hope area parents and kids will come enjoy some activities that promote nutrition and the importance of eating fruits and vegetables,” said Tara Rybicki, R.D., coordinator of Community Health for Munson Healthcare. “We are hopeful that this series will make an impact in improving the health of the families that attend.”
The partnership targets 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.”
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. Children under 1 year old are free and all museum activities are free with yearly memberships.
“We see this collaboration 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.”
Future sessions of the quarterly program are set for Sept. 25 and Nov. 6.
More information on the Fruit and Veggie Superstar Nutrition Series can be found at munsonhealthcare.org/superstar.
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.