Joy Feldman’s Healthy Eating Book To Be Read Statewide March 11
Friday, March 08, 2013
It will be a bigger donut day than usual in Rhode Island on March 11 and 12, when 75,000 students at more than 200 schools, libraries, youth programs, and health centers throughout Rhode Island will participate in the Statewide Read event of Rhode Island author Joy Feldman’s children’s book, Is Your Hair Made Of Donuts?
The event recognizes March as National Nutrition Month and, as Feldman says, the statewide read is an act of solidarity on behalf of the health of Rhode Island's children. "With the addition of celebrity readers, we have created a unique event of synergy in celebrating good food and good health for our children, and for ourselves,” she said.
Guest readers
In addition to the thousands of school children, the Statewide Read on March 11 will feature guest readers that include Central Falls Mayor James Diossa, Woonsocket Mayor Leo Fontaine, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien, North Providence Mayor John Lombardi, Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena, and Providence Mayor Angel Tavares. The mayor will be joined by Dr. Michael Fine, Director of the RI Dept. of Health; NBC10’s Alison Bologna & Molly O’Brien, State Capitol TV Host Dave Barber, Chief Medical Officer Renee Rulin, M.D. of UnitedHealthcare and Rep. Frank Ferri (Warwick). Teachers, parents, corporate sponsor readers, and others will participate as well. Reading on March 12 will be Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, and on March 20, Governor Chafee and Eva Marie Mancuso, Director, Board of Education, who will read together.
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Nine Corporate sponsors will provide support, including books, and healthy snacks. Participating are Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, Champion Juicers, Dr. Day Care, East Side Marketplace, Sodexo, UnitedHealthcare, United Natural Foods (UNFI), Walgreens, and Whole Foods Market. The Boys & Girls Club of East Providence is providing administrative support.
On March 12th, Feldman will be recognized at the RI House & Senate at 3:45pm where she will receive a proclamation for her efforts, and senators and representatives will be provided her children’s book. Cities and towns with schools participating will also be recognized.
Joy Feldman and all those donut hats
Joy Feldman, a nutritional consultant as well as the author, reads in schools throughout the year, but wanted to broaden the program to create positive community energy in the smallest state in the country. Known for her trademark two-foot high donut hat, Feldman captures the attention of children, educators, leaders, and adults to deliver her powerful message of healthy eating.
“In addition to calling attention to the ever-increasing childhood obesity epidemic, the statewide read demonstrates that are young people can be empowered to make healthier food choices for themselves, when they can," Feldman said. "I literally started to recruit schools one at a time, and I am exhilarated at the response, as well as grateful for the Governor, Chair of the Board of Education and the seven Rhode Island mayors and so many others taking the time to be with the children, sponsor the program, and create an event which can have a lasting impact as the entire country recognizes National Nutrition Month.
There is no cost to participate, with just one book needed for reading purposes. Schools and programs have been adding to the program by recruiting their own readers, local companies to enhance the program, and more. Feldman is asking any school or group that would like to join on to the Statewide Read to register so their participation can be recorded. They will receive a certificate of appreciation for their efforts. More information, including registration information, is available at: www.isyourhairmadeofdonuts.com, or emailing author Joy Feldman directly at [email protected].