Fit & Fun©

gains national recognition  

     Fit & Fun©, the school-based fitness and nutrition program developed by the Healthy Community Alliance, based in Gowanda, has been included in Volume 3 of the Rural Healthy People 2010 journal released Feb. 11 under the Models for Practice section. Volume 3 is also available on-line at www.srph.tamhsc.edu/centers/rhp2010. “This recognition is significant,” stated Alliance Board President Martha Kemsley. “Only a select few models for practice are included in the publication and only those models that demonstrate elements illustrative of best practices and model programs were selected.”

     Fit & Fun© was developed by the Alliance in 1999 and provides age-appropriate activities to kindergarten through eighth-grade students focusing on encouraging children to make healthy food choices and be more physically active. Healthy eating is promoted by a taste-testing activity and Healthy Choice Sticker Program that introduce a variety of healthy snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables. Students learn about the importance of physical exercise through interactive, fun activities including a Fitness Bucks Auction where students earn bucks for each minute of exercise they participate in over a three-week period. Students also participate in a Relay Team event with school staff. Prizes and incentives are distributed in each activity. Each Fit & Fun© activity is supported by educational materials and handouts to take home. Over 5,000 youth have participated in a Fit & Fun© activity since the program began.

     Fit & Fun© is currently being offered in the Gowanda, Pioneer, Springville-Griffith, and West Valley school districts. For more information, call the Alliance at 532-1010.