As I walked into the market I was delighted by the bright red, orange, green and yellow produce glistening in the warm Tuesday sun. I was steered by a group of giggling school kids eagerly racing toward the friendly Eastern Market vendor smiling and offering free samples. Gabriella, an animated 4th grader wearing two braided ponytails, smiled, holding up a giant ear of fresh corn, exclaiming, “My mom loves to make soup with corn and I got 6 of them for only two dollars!” Gabriella searched for the biggest ears she could find while her excited classmates raced to do the same.
She was one of 29 other students from the Academy of the Americas on a field trip for Meet Up and Eat Up with the Detroit Lions an event coordinated by my host company, United Way for Southeastern Michigan in partnership with Fair Food Network and Gleaners to ensure that children learn the importance of healthy fruits and vegetables. But Gabriella’s school won’t be the only one benefitting from the program. Every Tuesday from September 10th until October 15th a different elementary school will get a chance to enjoy the event with a different Detroit Lions Alumni player. And I’m beyond excited to be one of the staff members attending as a volunteer every week!
There’s nothing more exciting than seeing 30 enthusiastic elementary school kids ROAR like Lions with a Lions’ Football legend! Unfortunately in certain Detroit communities the loudest growls are the ones coming from empty stomachs. Access to basic needs like food resources and education is one of our top focuses at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Closing the hunger gap isn’t just about giving people food; it’s about teaching adults and children the importance of quality nutritious food choices.
This past Tuesday the day started with a team of United Way volunteers preparing shopping bags with Lions trinkets and healthy recipes for the kids. Once the bus from Marcus Garvey Academy arrived, the students enjoyed a pre-shopping workout led by Playworks with Roary the Lions’ mascot. They jumped rope, played foursquare, and hoola-hooped while learning the benefits of exercise.
The students had a visit from Detroit Lions’ alumni, Herman Moore who talked about healthy eating and staying fit. “In this day and age kids are really just sitting,” Moore explained. “This getting them up and communicating. It’s about physical fitness and activity.”
After saying goodbye to Moore, students, guided by United Way volunteers, shopped Eastern Market and learned about the Fair Food Network and Double Up Food Bucks, which let families use their bridge card to get double the money for Michigan grown produce. The kids were able to take $3 of money and buy $6 worth of groceries with Double Up tokens.
Following shopping the kids (and volunteers) enjoyed lunch prepared by the Lions’ Chef Joe Nader. Chef Joe and his assistant did a live cooking demonstration. The first time I volunteered he made a tasty rainbow salsa, which included kiwi, papaya, poblano peppers, yellow pepper and strawberries. Unfortunately for me the following week, my nut allergy prevented me from trying the delicious smelling citrus smoothie made with fresh fruit, yogurt and almond milk; but the kids loved it.
The day came full circle when the kids learned about the effects of food on the body, thanks to medical students from Wayne State University. The students squirmed and giggled as they got to look (and touch) an actual human brain, liver, set of lungs and heart! It was great to volunteer and help the children learn about nutrition. I can’t wait for the next event! It’s amazing that through Challenge Detroit I can help the Greater Detroit region on a daily basis.
You too can help continue wonderful efforts like Meet Up and Eat Up by donating food and school supplies at one of our upcoming Stuff the Bus events this Fall. The United Way for SE Michigan always has ways that you can give, volunteer or donate in order to help the Detroit community. Check out on our website today to see how you can make a difference.