UWSP students show kids how to snack healthy
By Taylor J. Hale
Reporter
STEVENS POINT — The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County is teaching children the importance of a well-balanced diet with their Healthy Habits program. The group works with UW-Stevens Point (UWSP) School of Health Promotion and Wellness students to inform and educate kids on how to incorporate healthy snacking and eating habits into their daily routines.
“Each spring semester a group of 5-8 college students are placed at the Boys & Girls Club to teach club members about daily healthy food activities,” said Boys & Girls Club Director of Operations Danielle Belsky.
The program started in 2003 when Dr. Jasia Steinmetz from UWSP reached out to Boys & Girls Club staff about hosting students for informative dietary sessions. The health and wellness based program is now a staple of the club’s curricula.
“These activities are taking place weekly during the spring semester,” Belsky said about the culinary events. “Healthy Habits is important because it is designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning in every part of the Boys & Girls Club experience by emphasizing good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being for the youth of Portage County.”
The activities are geared to be accessible enough for children to be able to do at home — taking the skills they learn with them.
“In one of the most recent activities, club members took rice cakes and added Nutella and fresh fruit to the top,” Belsky explained. “This is an easy and healthy after-school snack that children can make.”
Participants also had a chance at making and trying wholesome treats like cucumber sushi rolls and pancake tacos with fruit. While these fresh and fun recipes may be easy to create, they truncate more complex ideas like long-term healthy eating and living practices.
“We love that together we are able to further provide both young and college-aged students the chance to learn, grow and further their education,” Belsky said. “We are so thankful for Dr. Jasia Steinmetz and her many students that have volunteered their time at the Boys & Girls Clubs over the years.”
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County and their programs visit: https://www.bgclubpc.org.
Contact Taylor J. Hale at [email protected] with Portage County news and information.