The Timmins-Misiway Healthy Kids Community Challenge is launching the Choose to Boost Veggies and Fruit theme to encourage kids and families to eat healthier and to make vegetables and fruits part of their everyday lives.

Whether fresh, frozen or canned, fruits and vegetables help provide children and families with the vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and overall energy needed to be physically active.

Local programs and activities will encourage families in Timmins and area to include more fruits and vegetables in every meal and snack.

Upcoming events and initiatives include:

  • Scavenger hunts at our local farmers market and grocery stores with awesome prizes
  • Family cooking classes to increase food literacy and skills
  • Introducing healthy snack options at local arenas and recreation centres

Choose to Boost Veggies and Fruit is the next phase of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, which promotes healthy eating, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices for children. As part of the first phase, Run. Jump. Play. Every Day., outdoor Kids Zumba and yoga classes were held last summer.

As part of the second phase, Water Does Wonders, the Timmins-Misiway Healthy Kids Community Challenge provided 14 local schools and community organizations, and two outdoor parks, with water bottle refill stations that make it easier for kids to choose water over sugar-sweetened beverages.

Encouraging kids to stay active and healthy is part of the government’s plan to build a better Ontario through its Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, which provides patients with faster access to the right care; better home and community care; the information they need to live healthy; and a health care system that is sustainable for generations to come.

QUOTES

“As parents, we all want to give our kids the best. When planning meals and snacks, let’s give our children the extra boost they need by including more fruits and vegetables. They’ll not only have more energy, they’ll also develop healthy habits for years to come.”
— Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

“Food preferences are set early in a child’s life. Ontario is working with the communities to improve access and availability of vegetables and fruits, and to increase children and parents’ knowledge about healthy eating and how to make it a part of their everyday lives.”
— John Fraser, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

“Involving children in the whole process of growing, picking, meal planning, and preparing vegetables and fruit are all great ways to get kids excited about eating them!”
— Victoria Hall, Public Health Dietitian, Porcupine Health Unit

“The key to the success of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge is committed local partners, whether it’s promoting the program or coming up with creative ways we can make positive changes in our community. By working together, we can help make our community one where it is easy for children to lead healthier lives.”
— Madison Mizzau, HKCC Project Manager

QUICK FACTS

  • Canada’s Food Guide recommends that children get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
  • Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruit may prevent certain types of cancer, is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, healthy weights and lower risk of obesity.
  • Timmins is among 45 communities selected to take part in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.
  • The Timmins-Misiway Healthy Kids Community Challenge is receiving up to $175,000 from Ontario to fund local community projects.

LEARN MORE

  • The Healthy Kids Community Challenge (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/healthykids/hkcc.aspx)
  • Timmins-Misiway Healthy Kids Community Challenge website (http://www.misiway.ca/index.php/services/healthy-kids-community-challenge)
  • Timmins-Misiway Healthy Kids Community Challenge Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/hkcctimminsmisiway)
Filed under: Local News