Parkside Preschool and Daycare in Chico

   Several Butte County childcare providers are being recognized for going "above and beyond" to promote healthy eating and exercise for kids. And they're doing it with help from the "Fit Thru 5" program.

   The operators of Parkside Preschool and Daycare teamed up with "Fit Thru Five" to learn more about improving nutrition and physical activity for the little ones in their care.  It's a program funded through the Butte County Children and Families Commission.

   Bobbi Baker, "The whole idea is to start them off on the right track. So if we can lay a healthy foundation in the early years, setting up for a healthier adult life...that is key."

  Childhood obesity in America has reached epidemic proportions. Parkside Preschool is doing its part to help turn that around, and says working with "Fit Thru 5" has made it easy, "They pick out what you're doing right and gently guide you how you can improve"

  Training, workshops, support materials and even menu planning help make it happen. Nutrition Education Specialist Kristin Gruneisen from CSU Chico says simple changes can add up,"...Like switching to lower fat milk at 2 years and older, increasing fruits and veggies, decreasing fruit juice. All little things, low cost, can really add up over time."

  Kids at Parkside are getting more involved in food preparation...even growing their own food in a small garden out back. "To see a kid grab a stock of dinosaur kale and enjoy it, or munch on a carrot, it's good", says Baker.

  To find out more about the help that's available, just contact http://www.fitthru5.org/