It marked Joy Feldman's second annual visit to Richard J. Bailey Elementary School in Greenburgh, where a short, funny movie based on her book "Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?" was played for the youngsters.
Eileen McGuire, principal at the Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School in White Plains, said her school was delighted to get selected for a visit by Feldman, a "food rapper" named Mr. Deep Positivity and members of the Food Bank for Westchester nutrition education progam.
"We're really excited about it,'' McGuire said.
McGuire said about 100 fourth-grade pupils got to attend the special assembly since they have been working so hard. Students later got treated to yogurt and a piece of fruit, part of the lesson to pick healthy food instead of junk.
Feldman and Ellen Lynch, president of the Food Bank for Westchester, led children in taking an "eat healthy oath" that starts, “I promise to eat well each day and each night, I know it's the key to growing up right!”
Lynch said, "We're making sure we get healthy food to people who need it. ... One of the best ways we can ensure that families – and particularly children – choose healthy options is through education."
Schoolchildren also cheered when White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach walked in.
"I still love pizza, but I eat Brussels sprouts,'' Roach said. "Who likes broccoli?"
So many children raised their hands that Roach said they might not need a visit from the rapper named James McBride. McBride rapped about healthy foods, brushing teeth and the importance of exercise -- singing as the schoolchildren sang and danced along.
“Obesity has become a national epidemic, spurring a host of illnesses, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancers and strokes,” said Feldman, who started the Eat Healthy Rhode Island program three years ago.
Teachers were given an Eat Healthy NY Teachers’ Tool Kit to help them integrate lessons into their curriculum.
Thursday's program tour began at Columbus Elementary School in New Rochelle, where students were visited by New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson; Schools Superintendent Brian Osborne; Charles Coletti, district coordinator for the U.S. Department of Education; and George Oros, chief of staff for County Executive Rob Astorino.
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