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To promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA), the C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating HEPA Champions Week at its 16 before and after school Kidz Zone sites throughout Plainfield. As a part of the festivities, more than 400 youth are participating in lessons, crafts and games that encourage them to make healthy food choices and to enjoy physical activity.

On Monday, May 9, we visited select Kidz Zone locations to get in on the celebration. Here’s what we saw:

SNACK TIME MEETS STORY TIME
Kids were treated to a healthy snack that included an apple and a cheese stick. While they enjoyed their treats, Kidz Zone counselors read them a story about the importance of food groups and trying new things.

BINGO!
Of the many crafts and activities that promoted nutritional eating, “healthy bingo” was the biggest hit of the day. Each bingo card featured an assortment of fruits and veggies, instead of numbers.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN
As a physical activity, children played a game that not only incorporated exercise and teamwork, but also challenged them to learn about the food pyramid.

HEPA AT HOME
Kids were encouraged to share what they learned with their families and incorporate HEPA lessons at home. To learn how you can an adopt HEPA standards, contact your local Y today!