Smoothies Teach Students Healthy Habits At Reed

By Eliza Hallabeck

Students at Reed Intermediate School were treated to an informal presentation on Tuesday, October 14, to help them understand the importance of a healthy balanced diet and exercise.

Smoothies, gifts, and an informal quiz helped to kick off a new program, which was developed by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League. Reed Intermediate School is one of the only schools in New England to start the new program, which is called the “Do Amazing Things” Wellness Activity Kit.

Jill Patterson, the Chartwells resident dietician for Newtown Public Schools, said the kickoff was going great.

According to Ms Patterson, the activity kit joined with Chartwells and Reed Intermediate School to help inspire kids to get good nutrition and play for 60 minutes a day, in order to get an adequate amount of physical activity. 

Heidi Harkopf, the local dietician for the New England Dairy and Food Council, visited the school with other volunteers from the council to help kick off the program.

“At Reed they are doing amazing things already,” said Ms Harkopf. “We just want to really support what they have done.”

Health and physical educators at Reed have been promoting wellness for years, according to Ms Patterson, by implementing a coordinated intramural program that involves before and after school activities.

Ms Harkopf said the schools that are participating in the activity kit choose to be a part of the program, and the kickoff sessions, like the one held on Tuesday, are part of bringing the program to students personally.

The 2005 dietary guidelines prepared by the government, according to Ms Harkopf, have low fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as food groups to pay attention to for a healthy diet.

“We’re trying to get children to think about that,” said Ms Harkopf, “and incorporating physical activity.”

As part of this new educational program on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, participating schools across New England will be visited by their local dieticians.

The smoothies were served at Reed to show an easy way to combine two elements of food groups that students at the middle school level should be eating every day, according to Ms Harkopf.

“The fun part about a smoothie,” Ms Harkopf said, “is you can really put any fruit and low-fat dairy product together, and have fun.”

The smoothies were served during lunch, and after the students had a sample of an orange, pineapple, and vanilla yogurt smoothie, they were asked to join Ms Harkopf for an exercise.

She asked students questions pertaining to healthy habits while they ran in place and answered. If they got the answer correct, Ms Harkopf gave them either a free jump rope or a mini New England Patriots football helmet.

Students reacted quickly to the trays of smoothies displayed in the cafeteria.

“It’s good,” said Tommy Rahr, who stopped to get a smoothie before eating his lunch. “For people with braces they can have this, and it tastes good too.”

Kelly Skewis, who picked up a smoothie during her lunch, said they remind her of smoothies her father makes at home.

“I love it,” said Kelly. “I think if we had these at our school it would be really great.”

Dan Shields, the director of dining for Chartwells, said it would be possible to eventually bring smoothies to Reed Intermediate School.

“I want to try them at the high school, too,” said Mr Shields.