Community Corner
YMCA and Sweetbay Supermarket Promote Fitness and Fun on Kids Day
Perfect weather and smiling faces show up at Saturday's free, family-friendly event.
The celebrated Healthy Kids Day – the country’s largest health recognition day for families – this past Saturday.
The event, primarily sponsored by Sweetbay Supermarket, boast family-friendly activities throughout the nation with a singular goal in mind: to improve the health and well-being of families from coast to coast.
“The Y believes in providing everyone with a place to go to feel more healthy and connected," said Ashley Sorenson, executive director for the Northwest Hillsborough branch. "We provide a place for families to come and learn how the Y can help them along on their path to a healthier life."
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In support of healthy babies, the Y also held a diaper drive in conjunction with the event. Membership fees were waived for non-members who donated; members who contributed receive $5 in Y bucks.
Complimentary magazines, keychains, pens and toothbrushes were distributed by a number of local sponsors who set up information tables. These organizations included: Tampa Bay Parenting magazine, Babies in Bows, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, United HealthCare, Humana, AmeriGroup Community Care, Usana Health Sciences, and Chick-Fil-A.
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Chick-Fil-A attended with their famous mascot – the ‘”Eat Mor Chikin” cow. They also distributed yogurt samples and vouchers for a free kids’ meal and chargrilled chicken sandwiches.
“We’re here today to let the community know that we have lots of healthy menu options. Many people don’t realize that they can make healthy choices at a fast food chain. For example, we offer fruit, yogurt and our foods are cooked in cholesterol-free peanut oil,” said Jason Dittman, manager at the Chick-Fil-A on Waters Avenue.
Sweetbay Supermarkets was the primary sponsor for HKD, held at ten branches within the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA family.
“Health and wellness for children and families is a big part of what we do," said Nicole LeBeau, spokesperson for Sweetbay. "Philanthropically speaking, our mission is to partner with organizations that have the same mission, and Healthy Kids Days is a perfect fit."