See How Churches Got Involved

"Body & Soul"

Step 2. Church Activities that promote healthy eating and physical activity
Church gathering and workshops teach both information and skills that
encourage a healthy diet. A Body & Soul Planning Team plans and carries out
the program's activities.

Activities that encourage church members to eat healthier foods and be
involved in some physical activity are the heart of Body & Soul. These can
include workshops, cooking demonstrations, taste tests, and many other
activities. Such activities help in three ways:

1. Church members learn about health.
2. They get the chance to try new types of healthy foods.
3. They gain skills to change their eating habits.
   Have the opportunity for physical activity.

The more activities you offer, the more church members are exposed to
fruits and vegetables and are more motivated to eat more.
Body & Soul activities begin with a kick-off event. This is followed by a
range of learning activities. Remember to celebrate the churchís success
along the way.

The Body & Soul Kick-Off Event

The launch event sets the tone for your whole program. This event:

1. Introduces the program to the congregation, and
2. Inspires members about activities that will take place at the church.

Make sure the event features many colorful and tasty fruits and vegetables. This will help get everyone excited about what is to come.

Examples of kick-off events include a Body & Soul Sunday; a health fair; a
prayer breakfast; healthy lunch or dinner; or a healthy picnic. At the
kick-off, be sure to give out a calendar of future events. Members can
commit to the program by signing the Eat 5-9 A Day Pledge.

Ongoing Church Activities

Learning activities inform and inspire the congregation. Church members
learn how and why to eat more healthy foods and be physical active as part
of a healthy lifestyle.

Include activities that appeal to different groups and ages within the
church such as:

• Workshops on healthy eating, weight control, container gardening, easy
  physical activities for the family, preventing and controlling high blood
  pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
• Nutrition education activities in Sunday schools, menís and womenís group
  meetings, or other group meetings.
• Tours of the produce department in a local grocery store.
• Shopping classes.
• Demonstrations and classes on healthy ways to prepare food and cook food.
• Family Fun Night Walk
• Tasting parties with fruits and vegetables (e.g. smoothies, different types
  of fruits and vegetables)
• Messages about healthy eating and physical activities in church bulletins
  and newsletters, and on the churchís web site.

Celebrating Success

A successful Body & Soul Program means everyone has come together to improve
their health. Celebrate!

Examples of celebrations:
Recognize your planning team with Certificates for participants, a healthy lunch,
dinner or cook out.

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