Attn Parents: Do your kids "Eat Smart & Play Hard"?

The Heart of Largo-Eat Smart, Play Hard Project

Helping to build the environment in Largo to promote healthy eating and increase physical activity in children.

Mission

To achieve and maintain healthy weights among early elementary school children through multi-level, community-driven, environmental change. The focus will be on increased knowledge, awareness and opportunities through healthy eating, and a physical active lifestyle.

Heart of Largo is reaching the community through. . .

Did you know. . .

...

Advertising Campaign

Community Events

Programs that promote a healthy lifestyle

Healthy Choices Restaurant Program

Community Partnerships

School Cafeterias

62.9% of the people living in the United States are overweight or obese?

62.1% of the people living in Florida are overweight or obese?

63.2% of Pinellas County residents are overweight or obese?

Being overweight can lead to heart disease, type two diabetes, cancer and death?

Cumulative data from Largo area elementary schools indicate that in School Year 2005-2006 28.8% of Largo 1st and 3rd graders were either overweight or at risk to be overweight

One year late the percentage in Largo had rised to 32%. (2nd graders are not measured)

Data source: 2007 BRFSS

What We Do

School Food Service
Heart of Largo will work with the Pinellas County School Food and Service Department to enhance the quality and quantity of healthy foods for students. Activities include:

A fruit or vegetable will be highlighted each month in all nine elementary schools and taste tests will be done during lunch periods at all schools.
Colorful educational posters will be displayed around school cafeterias promoting healthy eating and healthy food choices.
New kitchen preparation equipment will be purchased. Food service staff will receive training on nutrition education and food presentation.
Fresh fruit will be made available everyday for breakfast and lunch.

In School Curriculum-HEAT
In all nine Largo Elementary Schools the HEAT Club (Healthy Eating and Active Time) In-School Curriculum will be taught in 1st-3rd grade classrooms.

After School Curriculum-HEAT
The HEAT Club After-School curriculum will be implemented in the nine elementary after school programs. The YMCA of the Suncoast, R'Club and the Largo Recreation, Parks, & Arts Department have been trained to teach the lessons.

Parent/Community Outreach
Parents and community members will be engaged through school newletters, Parent Health Bulletins, multiple websites and the County Health Department. The Heart of Largo committee will also reach out to parents through community events, local media outlets and the Parent Teacher Association.

Take One Step Toward a Healthier Lifestyle!

Find ways to Play at Playlargo.com