Apple of our Eyes

Publication > October E-Newsletter > Apple of our Eyes

In recognition of September being National Childhood Obesity Month, we celebrated the Grand Opening of the Hospital's new cafeteria and updated our menus to reflect fresher, more healthy food choices for patients, students, families and staff at Franciscan Hospital for Children. 

We welcomed Steve Belkin of Belkin Family Lookout Farm who donated apples for the entire apple growing season to the hospital to celebrate the opening of the new cafeteria. 

Attending in support of the donation and efforts of Mr. Belkin were Massachusetts Representatives Peter Koutoujian and Massachusetts Senator Steven Tolman. 

Why all this focus on healthy eating? 

In the past four decades, obesity rates in the United States have soared among all age groups.  Childhood obesity has increased more than fourfold among those ages 6 to 11. Over 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. 

And this epidemic puts nearly one third of America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke – conditions usually associated with adulthood.  Even greater disparities exist among young Hispanics and children of color.  As a children’s healthcare provider, we believe it’s important to educate and serve by example the best choices for the families we serve.

What You Can Do to Help Keep Kids Healthy

Follow 5-2-1-0:

• Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables on most days
• Limit screen time (television, video games and computers) to two hours or less daily
• Participate in at least one hour of physical activity every day
• Drink zero soda and sugar-sweetened drinks and instead encourage drinking water and low fat milk

For more information, visit the Resource Section or Food Services section of our website.

Related Link

Food Service