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Fruits + Vegetables = Healthy You
The Gimme 5 program makes healthy choices easy and fun – with interactive aspects to get kids thinking and fun concepts to get them moving. With a colorful Web site, logo and educational programs, Gimme 5 promises to promote health and fitness by educating children and inspiring them to eat more fruits and vegetables every day. And what better place to start than in our schools? The innovative pilot program developed by the 2008-09 Leadership Class, sponsored by the HHI-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, is gearing up for a February kickoff.
Five local elementary schools have agreed to participate in this inaugural program, with a February start date that ties in to local school initiatives and the American Heart Association’s National Heart Health Month. Fifth graders from each school will strive to earn points by eating fruits and vegetables and tracking daily intake. They’ll earn bonus points by completing fitness activities and encouraging others to eat healthy. At the end of the competition, the Gimme 5 Challenge will culminate with recognition at the 2009 Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival. The Gimme 5 booth will offer T-shirts, information, and award certificates recognizing participant.
“It’s about promoting activities and healthy food choices,” explained Blanche T. Sullivan, Hilton Head Monthly editor and leadership class member. “We’ll be in the same area as the Farmers Market and the Sandbox, and it is our hope to be able to work more closely with these groups. We also want to support Beaufort County’s efforts to help children eat healthier school,” she said.
Gimme 5 has enlisted the nationally recognized World Design Marketing (WDM) firm to develop the Web site and program design.
“We are excited about the impact this program can have beyond Beaufort County,” said WDM’s Wayne Johnson. “We are designing the Web site with an eye toward a national roll-out, allowing for flexibility and growth as the program evolves.” WDM (wdm1.com) has supported several children’s programs, providing services to charities locally and nationally, including national campaigns for the Children’s Miracle Network, local work with the Children’s Center, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and others. “We plan to have lots of fun information, including ideas for activities to inspire children to make better choices,” said Johnson.
Health instructor Sharon Rozelle’s fifth-grade class, from Hilton Head Island International Baccalaureate Elementary, is excited to participate. “We have the ability to empower children to make better choices at a young age through programs like Gimme 5 and health education,” said Rozelle. “Technology, as a resource, is critical for youth today. South Carolina has some of the worst statistics with 25 percent of our children being overweight. It is vital that we teach our children better lifestyle choices and nutrition knowledge.”
For more information visit gimme5aday.org or call (843) 684-2581.
