Junior League Of El Paso Tries Combating Childhood Obesity

Dozens of second- and third-grade students at Beall Elementary School fill the school gym, stretching and getting ready to work out. The South Central El Paso students have spent the last year learning about physical fitness and healthy eating, courtesy of the Junior League of El Paso.

The Junior League created the program Kids in the Kitchen. Every month, Junior League members visit elementary schools across the city, helping kids learn better eating habits and nutrition.

“Everything starts with education,” said Jennifer Berlin, the chair of the program. “We can teach these kids young that going through the drive-through is not the answer everyday of the week, and how to prepare healthy snacks and that they can be done inexpensively.”

Berlin said the Junior League also teaches the children how to work out of their own homes.

“You don’t just have to run or be involved in a team sport to stay active,” Berlin said. “We’ve taught them hula hooping, hopscotch, jump roping. … Everything we’ve taught them we’ve given them the equipment to take home.”

One more thing many of the students are hoping to take home: prizes. The children were given a goal at the beginning of the year to run a marathon, 26.2 miles, in mile increments throughout the year. Those who came closest to the goal won awards like physical fitness equipment and even a bike.

“I’ve never been in a competition before,” said second-grader Moises Barcenas.

Second-grader Monica Rodriguez was very excited. “The best part about this is watching the video about everything that Kids in the Kitchen did for us and also getting these rewards for Kids in the Kitchen,” she said, clutching a certificate.

If you want more information on the Kids in the Kitchen program, call the Junior League of El Paso at 584-3511.