Published 10-28-11
Submitted by Fusion Television
Fusion Television has invested $15,000 into a new cooking and nutrition program for 'at-risk' inner-city youth in Regent Park and Trinity Bellwoods. This new program partnership, through Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs, will help educate youth on making healthier food choices more often. Once a month teams compete in a cooking competition with Fusion volunteers.
“Fusion is thrilled about this new community partnership with Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club,” says Mark Johnston, C.E.O. “We’re excited to be a part of such an inspiring and worthwhile program, helping young people develop skillsets, confidence and a brighter future. Having fun with the Fusion Food Fight Competition is a wonderful bonus!”
Of the families that the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs serve, 69 per cent of them have an annual household income of $20,000. Household responsibilities like shopping and meal preparation often fall onto the shoulders of the eldest child in the family. Studies have shown that youth between the ages of 11 to 13 are often in charge of at least one meal choice each day. When they are given the choice, youth often choose fast food over healthier food options for convenience and for what is perceived to be low-cost.
“We are proud to partner with Fusion Television,” said executive director, Ian Edward. “This innovative program will empower youth to make healthy food choices by first teaching them basic knowledge and skills to work in the kitchen.”
This 32-week program introduces youth between the ages of 11 to 13 to healthy food options, teaches them food preparation skills, and empowers them to make healthy food choices on a limited budget. The weekly three-hour program is constructed on three weeks of culinary instruction centered on a particular theme and one week of competition where youth put their knowledge and skills to the test. At the end of each themed cycle youth put their knowledge to the test and have a culinary throw-down – where the spoils from the battle are shared with all.
By the end of the end of the year, Fusion TV Food Fight participants will have improved their skills and efficacy in food preparation; have an improved understanding of healthy food choices and appropriate portion sizes, understand how to budget for a meal and shop economically and will be more inclined to make healthier food choices more often.
Fusion Television
As a leading factual entertainment production company, Fusion Television specializes in developing hit series starring some of the best talent in North America. After 12 years and more than 600 hours of high quality programming, Fusion Television has become a trusted source of inspiring, informative and entertaining content for audiences around the world. To learn more about Fusion Television, please visit www.fusiontelevision.ca.
Toronto Kiwanis Bus & Girls Clubs
Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs (TKBGC) is a non-profit community services agency that provides low cost programs for 1,100 children and youth living in the Regent Park and Trinity Bellwoods communities. TKBGC is a leader in providing quality after-school programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of ‘at-risk’ children and youth. These programs help develop positive relationships; refine social skills; build self-esteem; and provide access to technology, homework assistance and nutrition. TKBGC is committed to developing leadership roles for youth in the communities it serves and is the largest employer of youth in Toronto's downtown east. To learn more about TKBGC please visit www.believeinkids.ca.
As a leading factual entertainment production company, Fusion Television specializes in developing hit series starring some of the best talent in North America. After 12 years and more than 600 hours of high quality programming, Fusion Television has become a trusted source of inspiring, informative and entertaining content for audiences around the world.
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