By Tamara Anne Fowler | CNA Media Team
coach children on nutrition and activity. Cat Woodsong is watching one – complete with the recipe – about Anthony’s favorite smoothie. Above photo by Carrie Wenninger.
Just because local children were schooling at home until last month – and continue to be isolated from normal routines this summer – that’s no reason to drop good health and wellness habits.
Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) is the largest in-school health and wellness program in the country and advises kids and teens throughout Oregon on nutrition and physical activities.
Created by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it is led by youth and empowers students to eat healthy, be active and make positive changes in their schools and communities.
Concordian Shannon Guirl, Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council (ODNC), is the senior communications manager.
Part of the program is a series of short videos featuring Anthony Newman. The retired NFL defensive back and former Oregon Duck created them to inspire healthy solutions to some of the issues children face during the crisis.
He relates directly to his audience on issues like food and activity. “You’re not in this alone,” Anthony affirmed. “We’re all in this together.”
His favorite smoothie recipe can be found through Food Hero at ODNCouncil. org. Food Hero is a recipe resource site of Oregon State University’s Family & Community Health Extension. It’s available for children and teens ages one to 18.
More of the “Staying Healthy with Anthony Newman” campaign is on that website. It highlights how children and teens can stay healthy and active during the health crisis.
Five videos highlight how they can access free school meals, stay active at home, create healthy routines, stay connected with others and eat nutritious food.
Editor’s note: For information on local summer food programs, call 211 or Portland Public Schools at 503.916.3544. Portland Parks & Recreation’s “Free Lunch + Play” contact information is on Page 3.
Tamara Anne Fowler is Edit Kitten, a writer with 20-plus years of experience offering a sof ter, gentler approach to editing and coaching. Her personal editors – Armani, Max Factor and Spicey’D – are also her cats. Visit her at EditKitten.com or contact her at Tamara@EditKitten. com.