Food Bank Ambassadors NFL Star Chris Canty & Chef Max Hardy Team Up To Promote Healthy Eating Through A Series of Citywide Marquis Events July & August
Contact: Shruti Sehgal, shruti.sehgal@berlinrosen.com, 646-200-5283
Carol Schneider, cschneider@foodbanknyc.org, 212-566-7855 x2231/646-831-3645
New York, NY, June 29, 2015 — Food Bank For New York City, the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs, kicked off its summer nutrition awareness programs for teens, “EATWISE” and “Change One Thing” with the support of NFL star, Bronx native and Food Bank Ambassador Chris Canty, during opening day of Canty’s football Camp of Champions. Today’s kickoff will be followed by a series of EATWISE marquis events citywide throughout July and August to address childhood hunger and promote healthy eating.
Food Bank’s EATWISE program (Educated and Aware Teens Who Inspire Smart Eating) gives young people the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about what they eat and drink, and trains them to become peer nutrition educators. EATWISE teen Ambassadors were on the football field today with present and future teen athletes offering a lesson on hydration and healthy eating to 400 campers (boys and girls) age six to 16, with a nutrition message of “Don’t change your life. Just Change One Thing.” Today’s events took place on the field at George Washington High School, 549 Audubon Avenue, NYC
“Food Bank For New York City is thrilled to partner with the Chris Canty Camp of Champions,” said Margarette Purvis, President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City. “For the children we serve, having the opportunity provided by Chris is what makes him our hometown hero. The proximity to and guidance from super achievers proudly wearing their title as a New Yorker from the Bronx, demonstrate to our young people how many things are possible. We expect our EATWISE teen Ambassadors to learn important lessons that will remain with them for a lifetime!”
“As a Bronx native, I’m excited to be back in the city I still call home and I feel truly fortunate to pass along the lessons about health and fitness that I’ve learned throughout my career,” said NFL star, Chris Canty. “Small positive changes every day with regard to eating habits and fitness, will result in big positive changes for the long term. Our EATWISE teens say it best: “Don’t Change your life. Just CHANGE ONE THING.”
Following the day’s activities including non-contact football fundamentals and practice drills, as well as a few lessons about life skills and communication, Food Bank Culinary Council member, Chef Max Hardy, provided a delicious and nutritious lunch for all campers through his foundation One Chef Can 86 Hunger, a not-for-profit organization that works to raise awareness of the hunger epidemic in America and brings the culinary arts to inner city communities.
This summer, the EATWISE teens will be hitting the road with Chef Max to address childhood hunger and promote healthy eating throughout the five boroughs. Events are planned through July and August that will address healthy eating as well as feed members of the community. Families, children and teens will receive free nutritious meals and healthy lifestyle tips.
“Food Bank For New York City is very grateful to Culinary Ambassador Chef Max Hardy, whose support of our mission is unwavering. His passion for cooking is equaled only by his passion for fighting hunger,” remarked Margarette Purvis, Food Bank’s President and CEO.
Chef Max and Food Bank’s EATWISE teen Ambassador may be visiting your community. Check Food Bank’s website for updates throughout the summer at: www.eatwiseteens.org
About Chris Canty Camp of Champions
Founded by Chris Canty in 2007, the Chris Canty Camp of Champions is a program committed to elevating the quality of football skills for youth between the ages of 8-16. This initiative is a non-contact camp designed to improve a child’s beginning, intermediate, or advanced skill level in football, plus lift skills such as: teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, and the importance of receiving a quality education. More than just about football, this program inspires youth to channel and release their inner champion.
By incorporating fun activities into the program, we are able to appropriately channel the competitive nature in participants and expose them to the rewards of winning. The program also encourages participants to include healthy habits in their lifestyles through the inclusion of exercise and healthy snack options during the camp.
About One Chef Can 86 Hunger
One Chef Can 86 Hunger is a not-for-profit organization that works toward raising awareness of the hunger epidemic in America. The Foundation is also committed to bringing culinary arts to inner city communities through its culinary programs and scholarships to the next generation of young chefs.
One Chef Can 86 Hunger has been working to raise funds to support its commitment to educating people about the hunger crisis in America and offering not only healthier but cost effective alternatives. The Foundation has also been able to introduce culinary arts to communities through its programming with schools and community centers; in addition to lectures and panel discussions, giving students practical and fundamental knowledge of the wonderful world of culinary arts.
About Food Bank For New York City
Food Bank For New York City has been the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs for more than 30 years. Nearly one in five New Yorkers relies on Food Bank for food and other resources. Food Bank takes a strategic, multifaceted approach that provides meals and builds capacity in the neediest communities, while raising awareness and engagement among all New Yorkers. Through its network of more than 1,000 charities and schools citywide, Food Bank provides food for more than 63 million free meals for New Yorkers in need.
Food Bank For New York City’s income support services, including food stamps (also known as SNAP) and free tax assistance for the working poor, put more than $100 million each year into the pockets of New Yorkers, helping them to afford food and achieve greater dignity and independence. In addition, Food Bank’s nutrition education programs and services empower more than 275,000 children, teens and adults to sustain a healthy diet on a low budget. To learn more about how you can help, please visit foodbanknyc.org. Follow us on Facebook (FoodBank4NYC), Twitter (@FoodBank4NYC), and Instagram (FoodBank4NYC).