Children Learn to Eat Heathy During Summer Reading Program

COURT HOUSE – Rutgers Cooperative Extension Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) presented healthy eating programs at Cape May County Library Branches this Summer. The Summer Reading Club at the Cape May County Library  is so much more than just reading as experts come and share their knowledge on special topics, in a fun way, for children to understand and learn.  Marilou Rochford, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) Program Director and members of her team presented the healthy eating program, “Follow the Rainbow to a Healthier You,” to more than 300 children and adults who attended the programs, at all eight library branches, during the month of July.
The lessons provided simple, colorful, and fun tips to help children eat healthier.  The classes were part of the Library’s Summer Reading Club for children, ages 4 to 12, and their families.  Rochford said, “ We are happy to partner with the Library to bring important life lessons to children in a fun and easy to learn way.”  She added, “Children are eager to participate and show how much they know about fruits and vegetables.”
During the program held at the Stone Harbor Recreation Center on July 13^th, Michael, Matthew and Eric O’Neil, brothers from Westfield, New Jersey vacationing in Stone Harbor, enjoyed the interactive lesson. The three O’Neil Brothers were excited to share their ideas with Rochford.
Kellie Large, Head Children’s Librarian, Cape May County Library, said, “ The Summer Reading Club is designed to encourage children to continue to read during the summer and turn in their reading logs at these special programs.  Each summer we set a goal for the number of books to be read during the summer by participants in the reading club.  This year our goal in 12,000 books.”  Large added, “To-date, the kids in the program have read more than 5,000 books.”                               
For additional information about the Summer Reading Club, please contact the Children’s Room at the Cape May County Library at (609) 463-6354. To learn more about programs offered by Rutgers Cooperative Extension Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS), call 465-5115 ext. 609.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County helps both youth and adults improve their knowledge and skills, enhance their quality of life, and resolve problems in areas of food, nutrition, health and wellness; food safety; agriculture; environmental and natural resource management; and youth development.  This is accomplished through the use of science-based knowledge and university research.  Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an education organization within the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. 
Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s education programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.