Media Release

​This press release published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - April 24 through 28, 2017 was “Every Kid Healthy Week,” and the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) hosted an event at Lawton M Chiles Elementary School to promote and celebrate their school’s wellness achievements.

“Schools play an important role and have a unique opportunity to help children establish healthy habits for life,” stated DOH-Alachua Administrator Paul Myers.

Launched nationally by Action for Healthy Kids in 2013, Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual observance held in the last week of April that shines a spotlight on the great efforts schools are making to improve the health and wellness of their students. The observance also provides an opportunity for everyone in the country to get involved by supporting sound nutrition, regular physical activity, and health-promoting programs in schools.

On April 26, a celebration event took place during the final class of a four-week cooking class series offered by the Alachua County School Board’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) for elementary students in the after-school program at Lawton Chiles Elementary. Students had the opportunity to learn sanitation skills, nutrition education, and cooking preparation of healthy recipes (many which are offered on the school lunch menu).

On April 28, Healthiest Weight Florida and FNS celebrated the success of the Talbot Elementary morning mile program by providing children with healthy habits education on fruits and vegetables, screen time, physical activity, and limiting sugary drinks. The Talbot Elementary morning mile program is offered each morning, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for all students and their parents. The program is designed to let students begin each day in an active, healthy and fun way and promote a healthy lifestyle at a young age.

Unhealthy weight puts children at risk for a variety of health complications and chronic diseases. Evidence shows students who eat right and are physically active in school learn healthy lifelong habits and are better equipped to succeed academically.

Teachers, parents, and individuals wanting more information can visit the Healthiest Weight Florida and Every Kid Healthy Week websites.

For more information, contact Kourtney Oliver at 352-334-8889 or Kourtney.Oliver@flhealth.gov.