The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
HEALTHY LIVING
Eat Well Play Hard teaches kids, parents healthy habits
Despite the rainy weather forcing a location change, healthy living took center stage Friday at the fourth annual Eat Well Play Hard in Oneida.
Several community organizations set up booths at the Oneida Rec Center, handing out an assortment of healthy snacks, fresh produce, and even bike helmets to encourage healthy lifestyles for Oneida area families.
“It’s all about healthy living and physical activity,” said Terri Welcher, Eat Well Play Hard coordinator for Oneida Healthcare. Originally sponsored by the Madison County Department of Health through a grant, Oneida Healthcare took over the operation after Welcher approached Oneida Healthcare CEO Gene Morreale to keep the event going once the grant money ran out.
Welcher said the community seems to “really enjoy” Eat Well Play Hard, in part because it gives children a chance to play games while parents can learn tips to
keep their families healthy. “It’s a great day to come out and just enjoy a bunch of things,” she said.
Jerome Cooper, originally from Syracuse but who lives in Oneida, brought his daughter Aszaria, 12, and their friend Keith, 6, on Friday. He used to bring Aszaria when she was younger, and was taking the opportunity to bring Keith, since he was often bedridden.
“It gives the kids something to do and gets the par- ents out,” he said. “Our community needs more activities to get parents out with their kids.”
Kathy Mariano, from Oneida, has been bringing her children for years. “They have a lot of fun every year,” she said, as 5-year-old son Noah fished for prizes and 1-year-old Lily explored the Rec Center.
She said one of the best parts of the event was that everything was free, including a bag lunch and bike helmets. “There’s a lot of people who can’t afford things in Oneida,” so having an event like Friday’s helped the community, she said.