Summer Parks Fitness, Wellness & Literacy Components Launched to Compliment
Summer Food Program in Public Parks to Encourage Whole Wellness for All Children
Press Release 7/13/18
*Photos submitted by the City of Perth Amboy
PERTH AMBOY – Mayor Wilda Diaz announced the expansion of the City’s Summer Food Program with fitness, wellness and literacy initiatives yesterday at the Municipal Alliance Summer Day Camp (M.A.P.S.) held at James J. Flynn Elementary School, 850 Chamberlain Avenue.
There are a number of educationally based programs taking place in the City of Perth Amboy this summer. The Summer Food Program launched on Monday July 2nd and is set to draws thousands of children to public parks, camps and summer programs and partnering organizations.
“I want to make sure we invest in our resident’s health and wellness by improving and expanding our recreational and educational opportunities. In the recent past, we’ve invested over $3 million in park improvements and I look forward to continue incorporating collaborative programming that reach families for whole wellness. Our partnership with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture allows for no child to go hungry in our community,” said Mayor Wilda Diaz.
Wellness for all families and youth have been a main priority for the City’s administration, as no child should go hungry over the summer season. Last year, the City’s annual summer food program has fed over 97,000 breakfast and lunch meals to our children in many of our city parks and through other non-profits in 2017 alone. This year 38 sites are participating the Summer Food Program, made possible by the State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Due to the growth experienced in 2017, it is anticipated that nearly 100,000 meals will be distributed to children.
In continuation with the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, this year the City is joining efforts with two community partners to expand the services offered in public parks, including the Jewish Renaissance Medical Center and United Healthcare Community Health Plan.
Beginning July 16th, a Dental Mobile Unit from the JRMC provide dental screening and cleanings throughout the City. Every Tuesday from 11:00 am – 1:00 p.m. The van will be visiting locations including, Caledonia/Duarte/Rossler Park, Washington Park, Harbortown Club House and Patten Park.
The City is also working with United Healthcare Community Health Plan of New Jersey to bring fitness to these same locations by providing the Dr. Health E Hound exercise/stretching stations. United Healthcare Team members will be training City summer youth employees on how to conduct the program and conduct the exercises prior to the distribution of lunches.
Additionally, the program expansion will include a literacy component for group and open reading.
