Schools
District 300's Health Fairs Aim to Help Families Live Well
Free events will offer screenings of "Super Size Me," a look at the reality of fast food.
School lunches have changed over the past decade, and an upcoming event in Community Unit School District 300 is designed to showcase just how.
A series of health and wellness fairs, co-presented with Aramark food service, will be held in Hampshire on Feb. 21, Carpentersville on March 5 and Algonquin on March 19.
"This is our first year offering it, and we're going to get families talking about the importance of healthier eating and physical fitness," said Sherrie Schmidt, a registered nurse and District 300’s health services coordinator.
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It was the district's food services provider, Aramark, that suggested the event. The company is part of HealthierUS School Challenge, an effort that encourages schools to achieve higher standards of nutrition and fitness.
Last year, all 16 of District 300's elementary schools were recognized in the program, Schmidt said.
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"It gives us a chance to let parents know that we have the healthier menu, and where we started and where we are now with it," said Sarah Cossidente, assistant food services director at Aramark.
The events will offer parents and students a screening of the documentary Super Size Me, highlighting the poor nutrition of fast-food choices, at 5 p.m. Other activities, including a tasting of actual foods served in the district's lunch program, and opportunities for pertussis vaccination and talks with area organizations, will be available from 6 to 8 p.m.
She said the company has held other health and wellness fairs in other parts of the country, though, this is the first for District 300.
"We plan to have a display cooking station so parents can taste what we serve," said Cossidente.
To meet USDA and state guidelines, Aramark serves whole-grain pastas, whole-grain pizza crusts, fresh fruits and vegetables, and canned fruits in juice, not syrup, she said.
Schmidt said local providers will be on site to talk with guests about dental and health services. Tdap vaccinations will be offered for $25, and a parent must be present with each student vaccinated.
"Tdap prevents against pertussis," said Schmidt. "We've had the outbreak in Illinois the past couple years."
Sherman Hospital, Dundee Boys & Girls Club, and YMCA of Elgin also will take part in the event, Cossidente said.
