Young 'uns Help First Lady Fight Obesity

Online, April 1, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Ever since first Lady Michelle Obama started her national campaign to fight child obesity in February, people from all walks of life have jumped in to help her.
On Friday, help came in from unexpected quarters. Realizing that a third of American children are obese, these little helpers from McKinney, hope that in their own way they will help reduce the number of obese children.
The kids belong to Riddle Street Montessori, and are all set to plant vegetables and take care of their plants.
This is what the school head Bhooma Srinivasan had to say about the initiative, "They're actually going to do their own gardening. Every kid will have their own plant and they will take care of the plant."
The kids got help and pointers from Collin County Master Gardeners who showed what to do, and how to take care of their plants, and how playing in the dirt can be healthy.
Soon, the bright kids took their shovels and started digging in. They planted various vegetables including tomatoes, jalapenos, and beans. These vegetables will supplement the sugar-free, cholesterol-free meals they are already getting at school.
Dr. Bhooma Srinivasan believes that inculcating this practice at such a young age, will definitely help the kids lead a healthier lifestyle. Getting the kids to plant, and nurture their own vegetables will certainly get them to eat those vegetables. Riddle Street Montessori hopes that this exercise turns into a routine in the kids' and the parents' lives, and that the kids continue to plant their vegetables as they get older.