Change is most likely to occur in small steps. Children are open to instruction and new ideas
and can serve as avenues for introducing sound nutritional practices to their families.
A nutritional message is: "Rainbow foods are healthy." This maxim highlights the concept
that richly colored, natural foods are necessary components of good health that should be
consumed daily. The Rainbow Program targets children from pre-school through elementary school
with an interactive program designed to teach the children the Rainbow concept of eating and
encourage them to implement it at home.
Children will attend weekly workshops, where they will participate in the preparation of healthy
snacks and meals and receive age-appropriate materials to encourage them to adopt long-term
healthy dietary practices. They will share what they learn with their families, leading to
health several generations.
In Fall 2009, the Rainbow Program was featured on Rachel Ray's Yum-O! website. Launched in 2006 by Rachael Ray, Yum-o! is a nonprofit organization that empowers kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking.
The Rainbow Program aims to improve nutrition in low socio-economic communities by targeting children and teenagers. It is designed to create convenient changes to everyday lifestyles that will lead to subtle, sustainable health improvements.
The health of the modern world is in crisis. Diabetes, cancer, heart-disease, and other obesity related illnesses are appearing at an increasingly rapid pace, especially in children and teenagers. These conditions are most prevalent among lower socio-economic groups and minorities (Hispanics, American Indians, and African Americans). Early prevention that targets diet and lifestyle is the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing these dangerous conditions. Teaching the children of high-risk families simple ways to improve their diet and fitness can tremendously improve the health of the American population now and in the future.
ART by ANNA OLIVER