MANCHESTER, NH – A unique partnership between Hannaford Supermarkets and the Granite YMCA will help the community focus on the problem of childhood obesity and nutrition education.
Thanks to a recent $10,000 donation from Hannaford, the Granite YMCA is offering free performances of Food Play during the Granite YMCA’s 11th annual Brunch with Santa on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The brunch, sponsored by Hannaford, features good eats and a host of healthy activities for the whole family.
According to the Trust for America’s Health, childhood obesity continues to be among the nation’s most pressing health concerns, with an estimated 17 percent of children under the age of 18 considered obese. Closer to home, obesity rates of children in the Granite State are slightly below the national average, but still a major cause for concern.
“Obesity is among the major threats to childhood health,” says Hal Jordan, President and CEO of The Granite YMCA. “And if left unchecked can lead to a host of health issues. That’s why we are pleased to partner with our friends at Hannaford Supermarkets on a major initiative to support healthier lifestyles for our youth members.”
The Granite YMCA and Hannaford Supermarkets have been long-term partners, Jordan said, noting that this most recent donation of $10,000 will help support a number of programs across The Granite YMCA, the centerpiece of which is the acclaimed “Food Play” event.
Food Play is a live production which uses the power of theatre to turn kids on to healthy eating and active living.
“Hannaford Supermarkets and the Granite YMCA share a common mission of supporting a healthier community,” said John Fifield, Hannaford’s Director of Operations for the Manchester area. “We are excited to help The Granite YMCA provide local children with tools for making healthy choices about nutrition and their lifestyle.”
Among other efforts, Hannaford employees volunteer at Granite YMCA events and the company provides support to the association’s Healthy Kids Day each April.
“It’s been a wonderful and enduring partnership on many levels” Jordan said. “Thanks to Hannaford we are able to promote healthier habits among young people, providing vital building blocks to create healthier teens and adults. We are so very thankful for their many contributions.”
⇒Event details: The 11th annual Brunch with Santa, including Food Play, takes place on Sunday, December 6th at the Granite YMCA on 30 Mechanic St., in Manchester. The event, which is free and open to the community, runs from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For details and information, please contact Nicole Burke at the Granite YMCA, (603) 232-8670 or via email at nburke@graniteymca.org.
About the Hannaford Foundation
Since its founding in 1994, Hannaford Charitable Foundation has provided more than $14 million to local communities, with a focus on hunger relief; health and wellness; and youth development and families. The Foundation is a charitable arm of Hannaford Supermarkets, which operates grocery stores in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Massachusetts.
About The Granite YMCA
The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility and family strengthening. Across the state, its six branches engage 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at $1.68 million to 19,977 individuals in 2014. www.graniteymca.org
About FoodPlay Productions
FoodPlay Productions was founded in 1982 by nutritionist, Barbara Storper, MS, RD, to use the power of live theater to turn kids on to healthy eating and active living. Since then, the FOODPLAY program has reached over four million children across the country, and received a host of awards including an Emmy Award when made for TV. Evidence based with proven results, FOODPLAY has been shown to dramatically improve children’s eating and physical activity habits, according to USDA-sponsored evaluations. FoodPlay Productions creates national touring theater shows, media campaigns, curricula, video kits, children’s books, and fun tools to make nutrition come alive. www.foodplay.com Note: High-resolution images and digital press releases are available online at: www.foodplay.com
