SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report approximately 17 percent of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years are obese. Communities nationwide have implemented programs to combat childhood obesity and on Saturday, May 19, the Junior League of Reno will launch a series of programs to educate local children about making smarter food choices. Kids in the Kitchen, a League-wide program launched in 2006, was designed to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. The program is a partnership with local celebrity chef and Scolari’s spokesperson, Jennifer Bushman.
“This is such an exciting program where children and parents can partake in a fun, interactive session that will give them simple recipes they can use at-home,” said Maureen Zupon, president of the Junior League of Reno. “Junior League’s goal has always been to build a stronger community and through this program we can reach several local children and their families by offering nutrition and healthy living education.”
Kids in the Kitchen is a one-day cooking program featuring local celebrity chef, Jennifer Bushman. Bushman will demonstrate healthy recipes and engage participants by having them re-create a variety of recipes. Participants will learn about ingredients, measuring, and preparing simple, healthy meals for their family. Parents are encouraged to participate with their child and adult volunteers will be on-hand to supervise and assist with cooking techniques. Additional programs will be offered on Saturday, Aug. 18 and Oct. 6.
The first series in the Kids in the Kitchen program will be held on Saturday, May 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Nevada Discovery Museum at 490 S. Center Street in Reno. The program is free and open to the public; however, participants will be required to pay the standard $8 Museum admission fee (free for children under one). To learn more about the program, contact the Junior League office at 775.826.0445.
