PCC Healthy Kids
An initiative to improve the health of local children through better nutrition
PCC is rallying children, parents, schools and our community to cultivate a healthy future for the next generation.
Our vendors, key partner organizations and dedicated staff are teaming up to teach healthy habits and improve the diets of local children. Seattle-area school districts, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Children's Hospital, the Seattle Storm and other major groups and institutions have dedicated their support.
We hope this initiative boosts awareness of the value of good nutrition and results in a lifetime of wellness for the thousands who will participate at home, at school and in our stores and communities.
For children, PCC Healthy Kids includes:
- A free serving of a fruit or vegetable of their choice every time they visit PCC. Children 12 and younger
- An increased focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins and dairy at our Kid Picks taste-testing events.
- A variety of week-long summer camps that explore healthy diets and global cuisines plus cooking classes offered year 'round through PCC Cooks for children ages 2 to 15.
- Join the fun, PCC sponsors and hosts dozens of exciting family friendly happenings and events throughout the year.
- Fun projects to do with kids, including crafts that call for ingredients you most likely already have in your fridge or pantry.
For parents, PCC Healthy Kids includes:
- "Ask the Family Nutritionist," a new feature on our PCC Healthy Kids Facebook page, which enables parents to get answers to their questions and concerns regarding the nutritional health of their children.
- More than 1,700 kid-tasted and approved products tagged in PCC stores with a Kid Picks shelf label, making it easier and more affordable for parents to find healthier choices their children will like.
- An expanded Kid Picks section on the PCC Website, including a database of kid-friendly products with the ability to create shopping lists, more family-friendly recipes and an archive of Ask the Nutritionist questions and answers.
- Fun projects to do with kids, including crafts that call for ingredients you most likely already have in your fridge or pantry.
For schools, PCC Healthy Kids includes:
- An increased number of Kid Picks taste-testing events held at elementary schools throughout the school year.
- Expanded benefits of the PCC Scrip fundraising program to schools. Added incentives will include free nutritional classes for parents and children, Kid Picks events at school and "behind-the-scene" store tours.
- PCC will partner with Seattle Public Schools to organize and deliver three Markets Nights at lower-income schools of the district's choice. PCC will provide free produce, recipes and nutritional information.
For communities, PCC Healthy Kids includes:
- A year-long partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation Department (SPRD) to promote exercise and nutrition as important components of good health. Partnership will include nutrition education, Kid Picks events, cooking and food demos and more at various community centers throughout the city.
- Sponsorship of Seattle Storm Dance Troupe, the youth cheerleading squad for the Storm. Members of the Dance Troupe will make public and video appearances promoting nutrition, health tips and physical exercise as keys to good health and fun.
- Underwriting of KCTS Preventing Obesity workshops for parents, educators and childcare providers. Workshops focus on how to prevent obesity-related health risks from developing in children.
- Summer food drives at all stores and participating community events to collect family-friendly food donations and increase awareness that summertime is a time of increased hunger among children with no access to free and reduced lunch programs offered through schools.
- Donated classroom space at PCC stores and promotion to the Gluten Intolerance Group for their Teen Advocates for Gluten Sensitivities (TAGS) program.