The DC United Soccer Club held its “Fall Kick” a couple weeks ago and I was happy to attend and help them mark the end of the fall season. The “Fall Kick” brought together youth ages 6-12 from across the District and Maryland to RFK stadium making it a perfect event to reach out to the local community and spread FNCS’ message of good nutrition and physical activity.
The event featured tournament style matches, DC United players and mascot Talon, music, and educational games involving nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Around 400 kids, their coaches, and parents visited our booth to learn about proper diet and nutrition. I brought with me a set of engaging games such as “Duck, Duck, Fruit!” and the “Eat Smart. Play Hard. Relay” as activities to teach the children key elements to healthy eating.
Nutrition education is an important part of what we do at FNS and it felt good to get out and further empower the kids who stopped by with more information and resources regarding the important link between exercise and good eating habits. The great news is that DC United Soccer Club already makes health and wellness a focal point. The Club enrolled around 600 children in the program this fall and made sure participants were taught the importance of a healthy lifestyle as well as other life skills that will be beneficial on and off the field.
Though DC United’s fall soccer season may be over, our mission to combat child obesity and improved child nutrition keeps kicking. For more information on making healthy diet choices, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov. For more information on FNS and its work to make school meals healthier for kids across the country visit our Healthier School Day web page.
