The Roslyn-based Junior League of Long Island (JLLI) recently hosted their eighth annual education and fitness initiative on childhood obesity and nutrition, titled Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen.
The purpose is to find solutions in the fight against childhood obesity. One of the goals was to involve children and their parents in a hands-on environment that focuses on preparing healthy foods and making exercise fun. The major goal of the initiative was to promote child health and wellness by empowering children and youth to make healthy lifestyle choices, therefore preventing obesity and its associated health risks. Demonstrations were held by local chefs, martial artists and yoga instructors. Former public health educator/nutritionist Viodelda Contreras conducted a portion plate activity and dental hygiene was conducted by Dentists for Airport Employees’ Dr. Robert Trager.
The Junior League cohosted the event with the Boys and Girls Club of Glen Cove. Over 100 children in grades 3 to 7 from Nassau and Suffolk counties attended the event, the success of which was evident in their smiling faces. Children enthusiastically enjoyed delicious healthy food, exercised, danced and laughed. The event concluded with more than 80 amazing raffles provided by a litany of sponsors. The attendees represented numerous youth clubs from around Long Island, including Grenville Baker in Locust Valley, Oyster Bay-East Norwich and Bellport and the Hicksville Youth Council Boys & Girls Club.
