HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 23, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Students as young as six years old are making their own meal choices when in the lunch line at school and a new local education partnership is helping them learn to make smart choices to lead healthy lives. Through McDonald's Active Achievers, McDonald's(r) in partnership with educators and nutrition and health experts, is providing teachers and schools in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts with resources to teach students to make balanced nutrition choices and develop an interest in being active and staying healthy.
The new initiative supports schools' needs in the area of physical and health/nutrition education and locally extends McDonald's new worldwide balanced, active lifestyles public awareness campaign and education initiative -- "it's what i eat and what i do". McDonald's Active Achievers takes an engaging and fun approach to communicating with children and gives educators' ideas for physical activity and nutrition lessons that will overcome barriers in motivating students including offering an in-school performance by icon Ronald McDonald along with local nutritionist and registered dietician, Nancy Dell. Other unique assemblies, teacher guides, and insights into promoting a healthy school environment are also offered.
Program partners include: the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Association of Schools, Connecticut Library Consortium, Western Massachusetts based nutritionist and registered dietician Nancy Dell, Coca-Cola, WGBY-TV (PBS) and WVIT-TV (NBC 30). The Hartford Wolf Pack, New Britain Rock Cats, and Basketball Hall of Fame have also lent their support.
"We are continuously seeking new approaches to educating students about health and nutrition and physical activity," says Susan Fiore, Nutrition Education Coordinator for the Connecticut State Department of Education. "Our success not only will help students develop habits that can last a lifetime, but a recent study indicates physically fit kids demonstrate better behavior and academic performance."
"As McDonald's owners operating businesses in the local communities, we believe that schools and communities need our support to tackle tough issues including children's health," says Wayne LeBrun, president of the Connecticut and Western Massachusetts McDonald's Owner/Operator Association. "For years we have supported local and national programs that recognize athletes. With our new local and worldwide initiatives we are committing significant resources and working with experts to educate kids and families on healthy lifestyles."
As part of the program launch, schools and teachers will receive McDonald's Active Achievers information packets containing information on the free resources available. Under the theme Go Active!, schools are introduced to "Get Moving with Ronald McDonald", an assembly endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to inform children in a fun and meaningful way to eat well and stay active. The show is paired with Dell's program "Veggies Rule", which was created specifically for McDonald's and delivers educational messages to students about nutrition and balance between eating right and staying active.
"Making learning about eating healthy fun and exciting will make the lessons memorable for kids," says Dell.
The Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Owner/Operator Association is comprised of local McDonald's restaurant owners who are community and industry leaders. They have a long-standing commitment to supporting educational initiatives and organizations in the communities they serve, including providing resources to promote balanced, active lifestyles to kids and families. For more information, visit www.mcconnecticut.com or www.mcmassachusetts.com and click on McDonald's Active Achievers.
McDonald's USA, LLC is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day.
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