Announcements
Healthy Living programming at Cape Cod Child Development supported by The Bilezikian Family Foundation
06/25/2009
Hyannis, MA, June 25, 2009— With evidence linking childhood obesity and overweight to poor health, low self-esteem and even lower academic achievement, the importance of physical activity and nutrition for children and their families has become undeniable.
Today Cape Cod Child Development received a first-time grant of $5,000 from The Bilezikian Family Foundation in support of its “Making Healthy Living Affordable” initiative to teach children and families about the importance of diet, exercise and healthy habits.
"This particular initiative is based on the three underlying principles of nutrition, physical activity and healthy family lifestyle," stated Executive Director, Mary Pat Messmer. "We are grateful to the Bilezikian family for their continued support of the Cape community, and particularly, nutritional education for underserved Cape Codders."
The grant from The Bilezikian Family Foundation will offer families with children enrolled in the Preschool/Head Start opportunities to participate in healthy cooking classes as well as learn how to grocery shop on budget. Older school-aged children enrolled in the After-School program will learn how to cook easy and healthy recipes that they will teach their parents at home.
A common component throughout all programming is family involvement through activities that engage not only children but also educate their families. “By offering underserved families and their children opportunities to engage in these types of activities, they can begin to transform unhealthy (or non-existent) habits into smarter choices that foster self-esteem, self-discipline, healthy bodies and long-term wellbeing,” concluded Ms. Messmer.
