Kids in the Kitchen
The Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen program, a childhood obesity and nutrition initiative from the Association of Junior Leagues International, is designed to help our communities address the urgent issues surrounding childhood obesity and poor nutrition.
The need for the Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen program is already apparent to leaders in healthcare and is increasingly gaining attention in the media. This attention is focused on alarming statistics related to the percentages of overweight and obese children and adolescents in all four countries where Leagues exist, and the fact that these youth have increased chances of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen website, which includes a virtual recipe collection from celebrity chefs, local restaurateurs, celebrity moms and nutrition experts, is designed to teach young children healthy eating habits at an early age. These recipes are available in electronic and downloadable formats and are coupled with important nutrition and fitness tips to guide children to a healthier lifestyle.
If you’d like to get involved by donating items or helping to sponsor these events, please click here.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MANATEE COUNTY’S FIRST KIDS IN THE KITCHEN EVENT A SUCCESS
The Goblin Gathering at GT Bray on October 24, 2008 provided the perfect venue for the first Junior League of Manatee County’s Kids in the Kitchen event.
The goal of the Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen initiative is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. Rather than receiving candy, the little "goblins" who visited the Junior League of Manatee County’s booth at the Goblin Gathering made "Critter Crunch," a healthy trail mix of pretzels, animal crackers, raisins, and a few dark chocolate M&Ms. Each visitor was also given a Popcorn Ball a flyer with exercise tips and three healthy recipes to make at home.
“Despite the rainy weather, I think our first Kids in the Kitchen event was a success- the kids seemed to enjoy making the snack and parents seemed very appreciative of some new healthy recipe ideas,” said Anna McSwain, chair of the Junior League of Manatee County’s Kids in the Kitchen program. “We're looking forward to doing more demonstrations in the community to encourage kids to make healthier eating and lifestyle choices.”