More than 1,000 miles and counting.
That’s how far students at City Tree Christian School in downtown San Diego have walked or run to be fit and healthy.
Last October, all 150 students at the K-8 school on Date Street formed the Mileage Club. Since then, they have been walking or running around the block or their rooftop playground. The Mileage Club has been expanded to include parents and last Friday all students and about 50 parents walked or ran at least a mile before school. Their next step is to engage the senior facility across the street in their project. They also plan to approach local businesses to encourage employees to walk with them.
Additionally, school administrators have adopted a new menu that includes healthier food, snacks and beverages.
“The County and the country have been talking about how we have to be concerned about healthy living,” said Principal Sue Kennedy, as she walked her third lap around the block.
Kennedy is referring to the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative, a 10-year campaign to improve the health and wellbeing of area residents and First Lady Michelle Obama’s effort to promote healthy eating. In San Diego County, one third of 5th, 7th, and 9th graders are overweight or obese.
“It’s good to get (students) in the habit of exercising early and adopt healthy eating habits – things they can do their whole life,” Kennedy added.
Ravina Galleta decided to join her daughter Yssabela in the morning walk because she too believes exercise and a healthy diet are important.
“It’s a great program,” said Galleta after finishing her walk. “It gets kids exercising early in their life and it’s supportive of their healthy habits.”