MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Parents who took their children to a New Parent Support Program at Little Hall aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico on Oct. 25, 2013, found the basement venue crawling with insects, that is to say cardboard cutouts of caterpillars.
In conjunction with the base healthy base initiative and inspired by the children’s book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” NPSP hosted its first Eat Healthy, Grow Strong event that focused on children’s nutrition.
“The purpose of the event is to help parents with young children teach their children how to eat healthy,” said Kathy Olson, new parent support program manager.
Several resources from around the base including the Quantico Base Library; the Family Advocacy Program; Semper Fit and Women, Infants and Children were represented at the event and along with educating parents on nutrition, they provided fun activities for children including Yoga exercises and crafts.
“We were fortunate enough to partner with other entities,” said Trish Burkes, social worker, home visitor. “Instead of being a class, it’s more like an open house so people can be introduced to our staff and can see some resources available.”
More than a dozen families showed up for the event bringing life to the activity room as children colored and parents asked questions.
“I learned about the event from a flyer,” said Harumi Allen, a Marine spouse. “I knew the topic of the event was nutrition, and I wanted to learn about it.”
Parents were provided with information on how to infuse nutrition into meal planning, healthy recipes to take with them and topics for families to discuss around the table at dinner, said Olson.
Pam Pospisil, a registered nurse and program home visitor, agreed with Olson and summed up one of the important reasons to attend similar events.
“We thought it would be very important and a great opportunity to display healthy foods and appropriate serving sizes,” said Pospisil. “Education is always the best thing, and that’s what we do with the New Parent Support Program is provide that education, information and support.”
To learn about NPSP events, call 703-784-4328 or visit www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org.
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil