Parents and children can dance, stretch and learn ways to fight childhood obesity this weekend at the Junior League of Amarillo's "Kids in the Kitchen" event.
The community nutrition and health fair is scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday (April 1) at the Tri-State Fairgrounds Commercial Exhibit Hall, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave.
The annual event is part of the Junior League's effort to combat childhood obesity but this year, the event is one of several the civic organization will host to address generational poverty and helping women and children, group member and event co-chair Becky Byrd said.
Attendees will learn about making better food choices on limited budgets and teaching children how to make nutritious foods of their own – measuring out components and making their own mixes, Byrd said.
"We just wanted to give them easy simple recipes for healthy eating that don't have to cost a fortune," Byrd said.
While traditionally reaching out to elementary school-age children, this year's Kids in the Kitchen targets middle-schoolers because they're the age group that often serve as caretakers for younger siblings, Byrd added.
The civic organization has mustered a team of sponsors to provide tips on nutrition for parents and children.
Ormson Family Cosmetic Dentistry will provide free dental screenings and the Tascosa Belles will demonstrate dance and stretch exercises. The Texas Farm Bureau's Mobile Learning Barn will be on site and provide a hot dog lunch, and representatives from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will attend. Refreshments include soda alternatives.
"Kids in the Kitchen" is part of a Junior League International initiative to help children form healthy habits and educate parents on the link between good nutrition, health and children's brain development.
Mike Smith is a digital content producer for Panhandle PBS. Contact him at mike.smith@actx.edu, on Twitter at @newsmithm and on Facebook.
