Foster Youth Get a Healthy Dose of Nutrition

A Fresh Start: A Healthy Future Starts Now!” event was held recently at the A.B & Jessie Polinsky Children Center. The event targeted teen-aged foster youth and their caregivers to deliver the Building Better Health 3:4:50 message.

The event focused on  healthy nutrition, daily movement/exercise, and other health related topics. Dr. Nick Yphantides, MD, MPH, gave the keynote address. There were speakers, information booths, physical activity demonstrations and healthy nutrition demonstrations/samples throughout the day. A wide variety of booths conducted interactive activities with the attendees and gave out healthy living information.

Several chefs cooked up healthy meal and snack samples. Chef Ricardo Heredia, a former foster youth and chef/owner of Alchemy Restaurant in South Park, donated his time to work with the youth as they made grilled whole wheat pizzas. Some of the physical activity demonstrations included jump roping and a wide variety of dancing. More than 400 youth and caregivers were in attendance for a fun and informative day.