Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools
Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools Program Wins Top State Award
Wisconsin Dells...The WEA Trust on Thursday was named one of the first recipients of the State Superintendent's Prevention Partner Award. The Department of Public Instruction's Student Services Prevention and Wellness team, along with members of the advisory council, selected the WEA Trust to receive this recognition as a result of our work with the Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools program.
Read the letter from the Department of Public Instruction
Olympians Join the WEA Trust to Get Kids to Eat Healthy and Exercise
Last year, Wisconsin Olympians Suzy Favor Hamilton and Casey FitzRandolph teamed up with the WEA Trust and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to promote healthy eating and exercise through Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools. Due to the program's widespread success, the Olympians, the Trust, and DPI teamed up again to kick off another healthy moving and eating year.
This year's event took place at Appleton East High School on Wednesday, October 10. The Appleton Area School District had eight winners including seven grade schools and Appleton East High School, the only high school in the state to receive a Movin’ and Munchin’ award.
Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools is a program for public school children, staff, and families. Its goal is to help schools organize innovative approaches to healthy eating and exercise.
As honorary chairpersons of the program, Favor Hamilton, a 3-time Olympic runner and 7-time U.S. national champion, and FitzRandolph, a 3-time Olympic speed skater and gold medalist, joined members of the WEA Trust the last two years for the kickoff event.
“Movin’ and Munchin’ helps kids focus on the right tools to achieve their goals,” FitzRandolph says.
The program will bring your district the same great benefits and potential grant money in 2007 and 2008 as it spreads to even more Wisconsin school districts.
“Programs such as Movin’ and Munchin’ can make a difference in addressing the issues of obesity and a healthy lifestyle,” says Fred Evert, WEA Trust president and CEO.
All participating schools are considered by DPI for awards of up to $500 to use for improving nutrition and physical education programs. If a school is in a Trust-insured district and at least 50% of your staff also participates, the Trust will match DPI's award.
“Exercise and healthy eating every day make for a winning combination for kids and their families,” Favor Hamilton says.
Money for your school
Give your health and wellness program a financial boost
You can give your health and wellness programs a financial boost by involving your students and staff in Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools, DPI's new wellness initiative.
What is Movin’ and Munchin’?
Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools takes an innovative approach to the problem of poor nutrition choices and lack of physical activity among school children. The program encourages schools to develop creative strategies to promote healthy eating and increased physical activity among students and their families. Individuals earn “Movin’ and Munchin’ Miles” for various physical activities and wise nutrition choices.
All schools that participate will be considered for awards of up to $500 to use for improving their nutrition and physical education programs.
If your district has a WEA Trust health plan, you are eligible for an additional benefit. If at least 50% of your staff also participates in Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools, the WEA Trust will match awards given by DPI. The award must be used to encourage other physical activity or healthy eating among your staff and students.
Is there a detailed description of the program?
Yes – right here.
How can we get started? Who do we contact?
To learn more about Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools, call Jon Hisgen of DPI at (608) 267-9234 or e-mail him at jon.hisgen@dpi.state.wi.us.
Movin’ and Munchin’ is sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Movin’ and Munchin’ is cosponsored by the WEA Trust, a not-for-profit insurance organization created by public school employees, for school employees.
