Freeport Public Schools, in collaboration with Northwell Health-Cohen Children's Medical Center kicked off the Wellness on Wheel innovative mobile nutrition education and wellness program at the Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School.
The new program, which is being piloted within Freeport Public Schools' five elementary schools over the next two months, is structured to provide students with an interactive learning experience about healthy food and lifestyle choices.
"Educating our elementary students about how to establish and maintain good nutrition and healthy eating habits is part of a wellness journey that can benefit them for a lifetime," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. "Freeport is committed to educating the whole child and advancing children's nutritional education is an effective tool to lead a healthy, fulfilling life."
During the 30-minute, interactive outdoor lesson students learned about the MyPlate model, the different food groups, and the importance of eating a well-balanced meal. Students were also given a virtual food demonstration with a recipe for seasonal asparagus salad from a Northwell Health chef and received a bundle of asparagus to take home with them to try the new recipe.
"It is so exciting to be piloting the Wellness on Wheels program with Cohen's Children's Medical Center," said Dr. Helen Kanellopolous, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education. "Our district has a long-standing partnership with the medical center and bringing this program to our elementary schools is another way for us meet the physical and mental health needs of our students."
Students were given multiple resources to put their new nutritional knowledge into practice at home with a MyPlate placemat to build healthy meals, a recipe book with nutritious and easy-to-prepare foods and a resource guide for accessing subsidized or free food in the communities around them.
Wellness on Wheels (W.O.W.) is a mobile nutrition education program created by Cohen Children's Medical Center and is structured to provide students with interactive learning experiences about healthy lifestyle choices.