Book donation part of larger effort to increase well-being in child cares

Small summer readers will have more choices at their local library thanks to Wright County Public Health. Using Statewide Health Improvement Program grant funds, the county health organization donated dozens of children’s books to Great River Regional Library last Thursday.

Aimed at very young readers, the collection includes popular titles such as “Barnyard Dance,” about a farm animal hoedown, and “How are You Peeling?” with whimsical fruits and vegetables exhibiting their “natural personalities.” The stories promote healthy eating or staying active.

“It really promotes fresh fruits and vegetables, in the healthy eating area, and promotes physical activity in fun story format,” said Susan DeMars, Health Promotion Coordinator for Wright County Public Health.

The books, funded by a grant from the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP), will be housed at the Howard Lake and Buffalo libraries.

WCPH’s donation is part of a larger initiative promoting well-being in the child care setting. Susan has been working directly with Wright County child care providers for more than a year, offering free or low-cost trainings as well as technical assistance and funding to implement policies on physical activity, healthy eating and supporting breastfeeding.

The “I am Moving, I am Learning” curriculum promotes moderate to vigorous physical activity with brain development in mind.

“Instead of just letting kids go out and play free, it’s organized activities to help kids develop their motor skills, things like throwing and skipping,” DeMars said.

More than 60 area providers have participated in the IMIL training. Another 79 have participated in the training “Supporting Breastfeeding in the Child Care Setting”.

“The books we’ve donated are meant to help child care providers extend their new knowledge, and they’ll be a fun resource for parents and others in the community too,” DeMars said.

 

 

(with photo): Susan DeMars, Health Promotion Coordinator for Wright County Public Health, presents Great River Regional Librarian Amy Wittmann with several titles as part of a donation supporting healthy eating and physical activity.