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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Dettah's Kaw Tay Whee School held a community event on March 22 where students spread the word about healthy choices.

The event included the fourth annual family nutrition fair, a screening of student-made public service announcement videos (PSAs), and the distribution of 20 family night packs, said principal Lea Lamoureux.

Parents, community members and Dettah families with children up to age five attended the event, which was held at the school, said Lamoureux.

Students planned the lunch menu and made the grocery list, said Lamoureux. The result was a homemade chili featuring legumes, fresh veggies with sharp cheddar cheese and a whole grain bun, with fresh fruit for desert.

"The purpose is to get students involved in creating healthy and balanced meals," said Lamoureux.

Getting kids involved with organizing healthy meals is a great way to encourage families to eat healthier at home, she said.

"I really loved the chili, it was healthy," stated student Taati Martin in a written reflection on the nutrition fair.

Martin was involved in making a PSA video titled Fuel Your Body, which featured healthy foods arranged to spell the words in the message.

The PSA videos were a highlight of the event. The student producers walked down the red carpet to lots of applause, said Lamoureux.

Food bodies need to be strong

The three videos screened were about the different types of food bodies need to be strong, drinking water versus drinking sugar-laden beverages, and limiting screen time and being active instead.

The lunchtime event drew a crowd of 60 to 70 people, including the school's 27 students from kindergarten to Grade 6 and eight preschool students, said Lamoureux.

Finally, the family night packs distributed were full of tools families can use to share quality time together away from computer and television screens.

"The point of the bins are to not watch TV and actually play with the crafts," said student Zhanayii Drygeese Yelle, who also helped create the Fuel Your Body video.

The kits were created in consultation with an occupational therapist, teachers, and other child and family experts, said Lamoureux. They included items such as balls, beanbags, paint, Lego blocks and jewelry-making kits.

"The purpose was to promote family time together while developing skills among children," said Lamoureux. "And, of course, we're always promoting opportunities for children to have new and stimulating experiences."

The annual nutrition fair was part of the Drop the Pop Campaign - NWT, an initiative co-funded by Health Canada and the GNWT that aims to promote healthier food and beverage choices by students and their families, and encourages overall healthier lifestyle choices.

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