By Nate West
News Editor
One of St. Bonaventure’s newest clubs is helping tackle one of the nation’s biggest problems.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, ENACTUS, in partnership with My Happy Healthy Kids, will be hosting an event in the Doyle Trustees Room to teach elementary school kids about nutrition and healthy eating.
“At the event, 65 students in grades 4 through 7 will be participating in activities geared towards helping them learn about nutrition,” Cody Clifford, one of the founding members of My Happy Healthy Kids, said. “They will be learning various cooking techniques and learning why we need to nourish our bodies.”
My Happy Healthy Kids is an organization founded in 2012 by six St. Bonaventure students who aim to promote a healthy lifestyle to children, according to Clifford.
ENACTUS, formerly known as SIFE, is one of the nations largest service groups with branches on numerous college campuses. It is Bona’s largest service club on campus.
Exercise, healthy eating and maintaining a positive self-image are all important factors My Happy Healthy Kids focuses on while promoting a healthy lifestyle. They’ve been involved in the community prior to the event, but they are now looking to help a younger audience, Clifford said.
“Our goal is to reach out to children, especially those who are at risk for obesity, to help teach them how to make nutritious choices. We have reached out to many community members for input,” Clifford said.
Last spring, My Happy Healthy Kids ran an after-school program for its inaugural event. As a result of the good turnout and positive feedback, they decided to host another.
“Last spring we ran our first event like this at the YMCA targeting the after-school program,” Clifford said. “It was so successful we have decided to try it again, this time making it even bigger and better. We hope to continue hosting events to really make a difference in the community.”
ARAMARK will sponsor the event and there will be two new stations: “Fix It” and “Cooking Techniques.” Also, children will be given the opportunity to choose and prepare healthy recipes.
