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What is the project?

This project allows North Elementary children to bring home a healthy kid pack every Friday.  The healthy kid pack will include one breakfast, lunch and snack plus free books and activities to enjoy over the weekend (books and activities will be for families to keep).  The goal of the project is for children and families to learn more about healthy eating, exercise and reading.
Why is the project happening?

North Elementary is located in Somerset County, Maine which has a very high rate of obesity and health related conditions.  This is a problem that is now affecting very young children.  More and more kindergarten children enter school overweight often causing other problems including emotional and physical health issues.  Some of the students at North Elementary also have a hard time getting enough to eat over the weekend due to challenges in the family.

The hope is that by seeing what good meals and proper portions look like families might start to make changes of their own.  Families will be encouraged to share ideas for other healthy meals with each other and to increase their physical activity.  Several organizations are providing free materials, including children’s books to be given to participants.
To be eligible:
  • A family must have a student at North Elementary School.
  • A parent/family member must be willing to work with school staff/community partners and attend project orientation/educational training.
The Student will receive:
  • Breakfast, lunch and snack foods for one day (based on school nutrition guideline) for the weekend from January - May.
  • Health literacy materials (books, sample snack recipes)
  • A pack to carry the snacks home in
  • Each Family recieves a monthly physical activity calendar to record physical activity
  • Follow up support from school, to help make the efforts of the student and family successful with the project
Program's Creation:
  • Thanks to MSAD #54 school board member, Mary Turbyne, the Healthy Kid Pack committee was formed. Committee members include representatives from Redington - Fairview General Hospital, Somerset Heart Health (SHH), Maine Nutrition Network, Somerset Cooperative Extension Office, North Elementary School staff and Parents, and the MSAD #54 School Health Coordinator, Fawn Haynie.
  • Skowhegan Hannaford Supermarket and Messalonskee Nutrition Education Center have helped fund this program.
  • Other community contributors include Redington Memorial Home, Skowhegan Women's Club, GFWC/Dove Society, GRWC/Semper Fidelis, Skowhegan Rotary, and North Star Orchard.
Information:
  • To learn more about the project you can contact Fawn Haynie, MSAD #54 School Health Coordinator , at 474-5511 x5205 or Jean Pillsbury, North Elementary School Principal, at 474-2907.