Through this program, called Niños en Acción, thousands of children in Allentown are participating in measurable, school-based programs on nutrition and physical activity. These programs, for students in grades one, three, six and eight, are delivered by the Weller Health Education Center’s staff of health educators.
The first program, Food Feud, was held at Cleveland Elementary School in November. To date, over 2,600 students have participated in 60 programs with many more programs scheduled in the upcoming weeks.
The press is invited to attend any of the following programs:
January 21 - Ritter Elementary School; 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 1:35 p.m.
January 25 - Jefferson Elementary School; 8:10 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 9:50 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:20 p.m.
January 28 - Sheridan Elementary School; 11:40 a.m., 12:35 p.m, 1:30 p.m.
February 1 - Trexler Middle School; 11:49 a.m.; 1:27 p.m., 2:18 p.m.
February 2 - Lehigh Parkway Elementary School; 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
February 8 - Raub Middle School; 9:37 a.m., 12:37 p.m., 2:15 p.m.
February 9 - Muhlenberg Elementary School; 8:15 a.m., 9:05 a.m., 9:55 a.m., 12:20 p.m.
The Allentown School District is the fourth largest in Pennsylvania with 71 percent considered economically disadvantaged. Recent Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings of elementary students in Allentown revealed that more than 40 percent of the students were overweight or obese. Studies show that decreased physical activity and poor nutrition can result in lower achievement in school. Improving physical health and nutrition are vital to helping these children get healthier, achieve academic success and experience a better quality of life.