The School Nutrition Department at Brownwood ISD is in the process of rolling out a new program called Healthy Helpers to Brownwood ISD schools. “We bring a group of students to the cafeteria to talk about healthy choices, exercise and we let them prepare a meal and tour the cafeteria,” said School Nutrition Director, Bobby Green. “Our pilot program started at East Elementary.”

The program has been well received at East Elementary where Cafeteria Manager Connie Gresham has begun implementing the program. “We’re so excited about the Healthy Helpers program that Ms. Gresham has started with our kids at East,” stated East Elementary Principal Nanda Wilbourn. “They love it.  They came by my office on their way from the cafeteria telling me how they washed the veggies, made yogurt cups and toured the kitchen.”

In addition to helping kids make healthy choices when they eat, the Healthy Helpers program is already complementing another healthy initiative at the school. “Along with our running club that Coach Harvey has started at school, some of our students and their families are documenting the food they are eating and the exercises they are doing as a family,” noted Wilbourn. “This is the perfect time to teach children about making healthy life choices.”

The program will roll out in the coming weeks to the other elementary campuses as well as Brownwood Intermediate school.

Additional photos viewable at: www.brownwoodisd.org/healthyhelpers.