Washington Students Participate in a Nutrition Safari
The Whitson’s Nutrition Safari made a recent stop at Washington Primary School, including Luke the Lion, a “spokes-animal” for the revolutionary education program. Luke promotes the importance of healthy eating, with an emphasis on proteins.
Whitson’s is the Huntington School District’s dining services consultant and has helped transform menus and cafeterias in recent years. Yolanda M. Haynes, who serves as Whitson’s consultant to the district, accompanied Luke the Lion and explained to Washington students that “Luke watches over the jungle in a fatherly way and helps his friends make the right nutritional decisions.”
Luke represents the ‘mane course’ and ensures that protein is a component in every meal. “He is brave and confident as he guides the way toward healthy eating,” Ms. Haynes said. “Luke says ‘The 'mane' course is your protein source.’” Using the unique and loveable characters developed by Whitsons, Nutrition Safari is helping to make learning about nutrition a fun and exciting adventure for Huntington students.
The Washington youngsters enjoyed the short lesson on nutrition and even had an opportunity to shake hands or give a high-five with the friendly “animal.” Ms. Haynes was dressed as a safari ranger for the visit, and she discussed the importance of protein and how it helps to maintain energy levels and strengthen muscles.
Other Nutrition Safari characters include Heidi the Hippo (“Dairy is delightful!), Jillian the Giraffe (“Reach for your greens”), Murray the Monkey (“Don’t monkey around with your fruits”), Hardy the Hyena (“Hardy har, har, don’t forget your carbs”), and Grant the Gazelle (“Limit your sweets, whenever you eat”).
“We take the issue of children making healthy food choices seriously,” Huntington Superintendent John J. Finello said. “We are pleased to offer students nutritious breakfast and lunch items and a variety of fresh foods daily. The district is also doing its best to educate the youngsters about making good decisions outside of school hours.”
In addition to character visits, the Nutrition Safari program at Huntington includes nutritional menus with healthier choices highlighted and special character messages, a monthly nutrition theme day, posters, décor and activity sheets. Whitsons School Nutrition is a division of Whitsons Culinary Group, a dining service management company. The company’s stated mission is “Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time.”
For more information about the food service program contact Ms. Haynes at 673-2107 or hayneshunt@whitsons.com.
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