AVON LAKE, Ohio — Getting kids (and some adults) to eat healthy can often be a challenge. The Avon Lake City School District is offering a Fit Kids Text program designed to give parents some tips for improving eating habits, as well as offering nutrition information the entire family can benefit from receiving.
"This is an idea that has been brewing for some time," said Shannon FitzGerald, dietitian/food service supervisor for the Avon Lake City Schools. "Then I read a research article out of the University of Maryland that correlated healthy behavior change with text messages. I took this research and put my school dietitian slant and experience to it and came up with a concept that would promote school meals, offer nutrition/healthy living education thus fulfilling a school wellness policy requirement as mandated in Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act and communicate healthy happenings at schools."
The "opt in" program is easy to sign up for, just text @fitkidsl to 440-638-5708. You can always opt to receive email messages instead by emailing Shannon.fitzgerald@avonlakecityschools.org.
"I send out about one to two each week," said FitzGerald. "The type of texts sent will include items such as tips for overall good nutrition, healthy living, school happenings and school meal promotion. I am limited to 160 characters. This is great as the research shows just getting one main idea across is the goal."
FitzGerald believes school communities are looking for sound healthy living information for themselves and families.