Local Students and Parents Learn Healthy Eating and Shopping Tips

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Partners with Xavier University Health and Wellness Center to Teach Healthy Eating Habits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:
Donna Betzer
Volunteers of America
(o) 504-486-8667 | (c) 504-722-9575
dbetzer@voagno.org

On Tuesday, May 6, Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans’ Healthy Lifestyle Choices (HLC) program arranged a trip for the students and parents of Lake Forest Charter Elementary School and Milestone Sabis Charter School to visit the Xavier University Health and Wellness Center.  After touring the center, students participated in the “You Are What You Eat 101” workshop as well as a cooking demonstration of turkey meatballs and spaghetti squash from Dr. Kirchain, Director of the Xavier University Health and Wellness Center.

After observing and sampling the food prepared at the Wellness Center, the students and their parents went next door to Walmart where HLC staff led a “Cooking Matters at the Store” tour to teach parents how to shop for healthier alternatives to their favorite family meals by reading food labels, comparing prices of various foods, learning the benefits of fresh versus frozen foods and shopping for whole grain products.  After completing the tour, HLC gave participants a $10 gift card and challenged them to use what they learned to purchase a healthy, balanced meal involving all food groups.

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Volunteers of America 

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men returning from prison, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Our work touches the mind, body, heart-and ultimately the spirit-of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.