National mini-grant to aid University dietetics effort

Jennifer Little, Bluffton University’s dietetic internship experience coordinator, has been awarded one of 45 “Kids Eat Right” mini-grants sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.

Kids Eat Right is an academy member-driven public education campaign to support families, schools and communities in their pursuit of quality nutrition and obesity prevention efforts in children and families.

The grant will be used for materials and supplies for upcoming educational sessions conducted by Bluffton dietetic interns under the supervision of Little, a registered and licensed dietitian.

The interns are participating in the Bluffton Family Recreation (BFR) Sports and Fitness center’s annual “Keeping Active” programming from Jan. 21-March 1 to promote nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits. Session topics will include healthy snacking, family meals and eating for sports performance and health.

The Bluffton interns are also promoting the “5-2-1-Almost None Family Challenge” sponsored by BFR throughout the Keeping Active campaign. A kickoff event is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at the center, located at 215 Snider Road, Bluffton.

The challenge encourages families to set healthy, daily goals of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, two or fewer hours of computer or television “screen time,” at least one hour of physical activity and almost no sugary beverages.

The Keeping Active programs at BFR are free and open to the public. A calendar of events and Keeping Active programs is available at the center and on its website: www.bfronline.com.

More information about the national Kids Eat Right campaign can be found at www.kidseatright.org, including tips, articles, recipes and videos to help families shop smart, cook healthy and eat right.