Politics & Government
Lacey Family Fun Walk to Kick-off Series of Healthy Living Programs
Pre-registration for walk underway
The Lacey Township Municipal Alliance and the Township Recreation Department are joining with the Lacey Township Education Association in sponsoring a Family Fun Walk from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 28 at the high school track.
"Our emphasis is on families doing things together," said Alliance Coordinator Heather Scanlon. "It serves as (drug and alcohol abuse) prevention."
Recreation Director James Wioland said the walk will be the kick off for Lacey Be Fit, a series of healthy living programs. The walk, specifically, will be the first in a continuing walking program.
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"We're interested in developing a walking program where families can come to the park," said Wioland. "They would check in with a coordinator so we can track their milestones."
Wioland said he will be applying for a mini grant to support Lacey Be Fit through ShapingNJ, a public/private partnership for the Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Program, which focuses on environmental and policy changes concerning obesity and chronic disease prevention. The program is coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
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"Through these healthy living programs is how we create environmental change," said Wioland. "It will build excitement and give incentives for families to be together in the parks."
In addition to physical activity, Wioland hopes to work with local restaurants to provide more healthy menu options.
During the Family Fun Walk, a dietician will talk about MyPlate, the United States Department of Agriculture's replacement for the food pyramid. MyPlate illustrates the five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using the image of a place setting for a meal, reminding people to think about what goes on their plate or in their cup or bowl.
The walk will include a disc jockey, refreshments and giveaways. One of those giveaways is expected to be pedometers. To register, call the township Recreation office at 609-693-1100, ext. 2203 or visit the office at 818 W. Lacey Road.
To learn more about ShapingNJ, click here.
To find out about MyPlate, go to www.choosemyplate.gov/.
