The YMCA of Central Kentucky is one of 36 YMCAs nationwide selected to receive a grant from the Kraft Foods Foundation to implement Salsa, Sabor y Salud (Food, Fun and Fitness), a national healthy lifestyles program for Hispanic/Latino families. Developed by the National Latino Children's Institute (NLCI) and Kraft Foods, Salsa, Sabor y Salud is designed to raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition, increase levels of physical activity and encourage healthy lifestyle habits for the whole family.
"Promoting healthy lifestyles is critical to our commitment to health and well-being, and Salsa, Sabor y Salud is one of the ways we're delivering on that commitment," said Rhonda Jordan, President of Global Health & Wellness at Kraft Foods. "Research shows that Hispanic/Latino children are at greater risk for childhood obesity, and through our collaboration with the Y and NLCI we'll be able to get even more Hispanic/Latino families involved and help them lead healthier lives."
This grant is part of a $1.5 million, three-year grant from the Kraft Foods Foundation to broaden the reach of Salsa, Sabor y Salud nationally. According to the American Medical Association, 38.2 percent of Hispanic children ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese, compared with 31.7 percent of all children in this age group. Salsa, Sabor y Salud works with families to promote the importance of achieving balance through healthier food choices and increased levels of physical activity.
The eight-week interactive, bi-lingual course promotes healthy living while celebrating Hispanic/Latino tradition and culture. The curriculum is based on four messages:
Eat from all food groups every day Be sensible about portions Be physically active every day Take small steps for success
Doug Fox, Executive Director of the Irving (TX) Family YMCA, whose Y participated in a pilot study of the program, has already seen the benefits in his community. "Salsa Sabor y Salud has provided us with a great opportunity to engage and empower families to make healthier choices," Fox said. " Families are excited about this program. They have become more knowledgeable about nutrition and healthy foods and are increasing their levels of physical activity."
Salsa, Sabor y Salud has been motivating Latino families to live healthier lifestyles since it was developed in 2002. Last year, the Kraft Foods Foundation and NLCI reconfirmed their commitment to the program by enlisting YMCA of the USA to bring Salsa, Sabor y Salud to more families in more communities. Through the three-way partnership, the program will reach 130 communities across the country in three years' time. Now, the YMCA of Central Kentucky will build on the success of the initiative as part of the program's expansion.
"The Y is dedicated to helping kids reach their full potential and helping more families and individuals live healthier lifestyles," said Vicki Feola, Membership & Marketing Director "We are thrilled to be working with the Kraft Foods Foundation and NLCI to provide Salsa, Sabor y Salud to the Lexington community so that we can bring more families together to learn healthy habits and achieve greater health and well-being."
Plans to offer Salsa, Sabor y Salud locally include: Free 8 week program held at the North Lexington Family YMCA beginning October 5 from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Spaces are limited to 15 participants in each the children and adult group. Interested participants are asked to send an email to ymcasalud@gmail.com by October 1.
"Salsa, Sabor y Salud has engaged thousands of families with culturally relevant content built around traditions and cultures," said Josie Garza, Executive Director, NLCI. "The program promotes hands-on learning about making nutritious food choices and increasing physical activity. We're thrilled to reach even more families and communities across the country through the Y, the national leader in health and well-being initiatives."