VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Leevers and Marketplace Foods in Valley City are celebrating Fruits and Veggies during More Matters month in September by offering a free piece of fruit for kids 13 years and younger who are shopping with their parents.
The fruit stands are located near the front of each store and offer a variety of free fresh fruit such as apples, bananas and clementines.
“We are so excited that our local grocery stores are offering free fruit for kids, it’s a great way to encourage kids and families to eat healthier,”, states Andrea Winter, licensed registered dietitian at Young People’s Healthy Heart Program at City County Health District.
One in three children in the United States is overweight or obese which has more than tripled in the last 40 years. Obesity puts children at risk for developing problems that previously were not seen until adulthood such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Fruits and vegetables are a tasty, healthy snack and are a super alternative to the common high calorie snacks.
“It is easier to form healthy eating habits in youth,” states Sharon Buhr, chair of ON THE MOVE. “The vision of ON THE MOVE is healthier children, teens and adults,” She added, “we are so thankful that our local grocery stores are helping to instill healthy eating in our community.”
L to R Nikita Shipp, Cashier and Mark Gilmore, Marketplace Foods Manager set up a Free Fruit for Kids stand at the entrance of the store. Kids ages 13 and under can help themselves to a free piece of fruit while shopping with their parents during the month of September.
