Help Promote Nutrition, Physical Activity

North Dakota youth will have a chance to show off their creativity and knowledge of good health and nutrition in this spring’s “Eat Smart. Play Hard.” poster contest.

The contest is open to North Dakota youth ages 8 to 19 as of Sept. 1, 2011. Posters will be judged in two age divisions: preteen (ages 8 to 12) and teen (ages 13 to 19).

The North Dakota State University Extension Service, NDSU Extension’s Center for 4-H Youth Development and the North Dakota Dietetic Association are sponsoring the contest.

The posters should educate and promote the idea of living a healthy lifestyle. The posters also should inform North Dakota youth and adults about the importance of healthful food choices and regular physical activity.

This year’s posters must be centered on a theme that directly relates to eating healthful foods and getting regular physical activity, with a special emphasis on healthy skin. Participants can learn more about the role of nutrition and sun protection in maintaining healthy skin from “Nourish Your Skin,” an NDSU Extension publication available at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn1572.pdf.

“Many children do not consume the recommended amount of colorful fruits and vegetables, and they do not reach physical activity goals,” says Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist. “We hope this activity gives children the opportunity to be advocates for healthful eating, physical activity and sun safety for their peers, families and communities.”

Posters will be judged on how well they present information, their general appearance and their effectiveness in educating others about healthy lifestyles. The prizes are in the form of gift cards for a chosen retailer. Winners will receive a $50 card for first place, a $35 card for second place and a $15 card for third place. All entrants will receive a participation prize.

“In our past poster contests, children and teens have shown great creativity in promoting health messages to their peers and others,” Garden-Robinson says.

Some past poster contest winning entries can be viewed on the “Eat Smart. Play Hard. Together” website at http://www.ndsu.edu/eatsmart.

Entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2012. They should be dropped off or mailed to the Center for 4-H Youth Development, Attn: Eat Smart. Play Hard. Poster Contest Entry, 219 FLC, Department 7280, 1310 Centennial Blvd, Fargo, ND 58102.

Contest rules are available at http://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/4h/GroupProjects/PosterContestRules.pdf. The entry form is at http://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/4h/GroupProjects/poster_contest_submission_cover_sheet_2011-12.pdf.

“Eat Smart. Play Hard.” is a U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service initiative that focuses on making America’s children healthier. It provides practical suggestions to help children and their caregivers eat a healthful diet and be physically active.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Jan. 23, 2012