JUNIOR LEAGUE OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY TO HOST 5th ANNUAL CHILDHOOD OBESITY
AND NUTRITION EDUCATION INITIATIVE ON FEBRUARY 20, 2010
Junior League Partners with Local Organizations to Educate Children on Importance of Eating Well
and Staying Healthy as Part of Kids in the Kitchen Activities


BETHLEHEM, PA, January 4, 2010 – The Junior League of The Lehigh Valley (JLLV) will host Kids in the Kitchen, an educational initiative on childhood obesity and nutrition created by the Association of Junior Leagues International. The event, which will be held February 20, 2010 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at The Swain School in Allentown, is free and open to kids ages 7 and older.

A fun-filled day of hands-on activities will introduce kids to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Chef Susan Roth, Culinary Arts Instructor from Northampton Community College, will lead a hands-on preparation and tasting of several simple recipes along with training in the importance of kitchen safety and hygiene. Delicious and nutritious foods will be provided by Wegman’s. The Weller Health Education Center will bring interactive, state-of-the-art health and wellness education to the children. Allentown’s own Leading Edge Martial Arts will facilitate the fitness part of the morning teaching the kids that exercise can be fun and exciting. We will introduce a local grower to the children this year to create a hands on activity just in time for spring gardening.

Designed to help raise awareness and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues, Kids in the Kitchen will bring together organizations from across the Lehigh Valley which are committed to addressing childhood obesity. Nearly two-thirds of children and adolescents in North and South America will be overweight by 2011 and at increased risk of contracting Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, the numerous ailments related to high cholesterol and social problems that affect self-esteem.

Parents can register their children for the event by visiting the JLLV website http://www.jllvpa.org/
or by calling 610-866-8852.