Recently we did a lot of maintenance on the FIT website and want to invite you to take a look at some of the new  information we’ve added:

• Farm to School Harvest of the Month newsletters
• Richland FIT Coalition Tab
• Recipes from the Food for Life Cooking Classes with lots of pictures!
• Minutes in Motion Challenge Information
• EBT Program at the Richland Area Farmers Market

Take a look around and remember to stop back often! Suggestions on what you’d like to see on our website? Use the “Contact Us” form to share your ideas, or post on the Richland FIT Facebook page.

Public Opinion Poll Gauges Support for Prevention, Access to Healthy Options in Richland County

By Sara Richie, Health Educator – Richland FIT

Richland FIT today released findings of a public opinion poll gauging attitudes toward healthy living and prevention in Richland County. The purpose of the poll, that was conducted in August of this year, is to evaluate public support for Richland FIT efforts to promote healthier places to live, work and play. Richland FIT is a healthy living coalition in the community made up of several community members that want to be a part of making Richland County a healthier place to live. The survey was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies by calling 300 Richland County residents at random. The sample size was then evaluated by using a statistical tool called weighting. Weighting is done by scanning the sample size to make sure that the demographics of the residents that were surveyed accurately depict the population by age, gender, education, race, etc.  

The poll found that Richland County residents agree childhood obesity is a serious problem.

• 89 percent of Richland County voters surveyed think childhood obesity is a serious problem in Wisconsin (50% said it was very serious)
• 79 percent of Richland County voters surveyed that they would pay more to ensure locally grown Wisconsin fruits and vegetables are served in schools (46% said they strongly agreed)
• 94 percent of Richland County voters agreed that ensuring kids have daily physical activity in schools will help improve their academic performance (74% strongly agreed)

The poll found that universally, childhood obesity is seen as a serious problem. In Richland County, respondents also agreed that schools, community groups and local health departments should be major players in the battle against childhood obesity.

“We do all we can at home to ensure our kids are eating well and getting their exercise. Knowing our local schools and community organizations are implementing programs to give them healthier options at lunchtime and more physical activity during the day is essential. Promoting wellness for our children starts at home, but prevention of childhood obesity can only happen when families and communities work together,” says Jodi Mieden, parent and volunteer for Richland FIT.

Richland School District is already taking steps to ensure kids get healthy choices at school through the new Farm to School program and ensuring that students are getting more opportunities for physical activity at school through implementing active school strategies, such as incorporating short activity bursts into the classroom.

 

 

On October5 Richland FIT held a Disc Golf tournament during Richland Center’s Color Fest. Two divisions were available with cash pay-outs for the top scores. We want to congratulate those who placed in this years event:

Advanced Division:

1^st – Randi Ewing

2^nd – Steve Ewing

3^rd – Jeremy Newberry

 

Amateur Division:

1^st – Jim Rasmussen

2^nd – Kyra Garrigan

3^rd – Mel Payne Jr.

“Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins- Get your Freak On” is the theme for the parade this year. The parade steps off at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 5 and winds the streets of Richland Center.

Richland FIT volunteers will be walking in the parade for the first time and we are looking for volunteers to walk with us! If you are interested in walking with us, you can email richlandfit@co.richland.wi.us . All walkers will get a Richland FIT T-shirt to wear while walking and need to “Bring Your Own” glow/light materials.

 

The Richland School District is seeking an enthusiastic individual with a passion for health, nutrition education, and local food!

• Half-time one-year appointment position, Starting Sept 2013-August 2014

• 900 hour commitment

• Flexible work hours will vary based on school start times

• May include occasional evening and weekend work

 

Find the application online here