Ginger Kids: An Answer to Childhood Obesity

The Childhood obesity problem is one that needs to be addressed in a prompt manner. The line of Ginger Kids programs is attempting to reverse the recent trend.

It took a startling response from a child at a cooking class to motivate Patricia Green to start the Ginger Kids program. "I was doing a cooking class in Shaker Heights, Ohio, teaching young children how to cook. We were making cookies, and this young boy spoke up and said, 'That's not how you make cookies.'" Patricia then asked the young boy, "How do you make cookies then?" The boy said, "They come from a tube." After that, Patricia asked the boy, "Where does bread come from?" The little boy responded with, "From a bag."

The concept of the Ginger Kids program came to Patricia Green roughly six years ago. "I saw a disconnect between children among packaged and prepared foods. I told them that you can make all of these foods (potato chips, ice cream, cookies, and bread) by yourself, and it's much healthier."

After earning a degree in International Marketing and traveling around the world, Green volunteered with CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. "I've always had a desire to help children," said Green.

A move back to Buffalo due to a family illness prompted Green to start Ginger Kids. "I married my love of cooking and traveling. I also wanted to subject children to different cultures through cooking, baking, language and music," said Green.

The Ginger Kids program is made up of several different programs; all centered on helping children become better acclimated to various cultures. The programs include the following:

• Passport to the World Club: This is an on-line educational experience takes children to different countries on a monthly basis, virtually. Children discover historic landmarks; try fun craft projects, and more! The off-line component includes hands-on ethnic cooking classes cooking classes.

• Manners Really Matter: This club teaches children the value of etiquette, art, and social education.

• Set The Table - A Healthy Lifestyles Program: This program educates children about the importance of leading healthy lifestyles. Activities in this program include portion distortion, reading labels and healthy meal preparation.

As part of the Healthy Foods, Healthy Families program, Ginger Kids enlisted the help of the University of Buffalo Athletics Department. "We were approached by Patricia Green to participate in this 10-week program. Since our community platform is to 'Promote Healthy Living through Exercise and Nutrition,' I felt this was an excellent opportunity to volunteer," said Sharon Sanford, Assistant Athletics director at The University of Buffalo. Sanford also added, "Our student athletes truly enjoy working with the children in the program. Each week we see the excitement in their eyes as they meet our student athletes and learn new sports. They are encouraged to eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and exercise daily." 

Not only has the University of Buffalo tagged along to help with the project, The Community Action Organization of Erie County also has signed on. "The program is fantastic and we are excited at how quickly it has taken root," said program coordinator Edward Jackson. "The students are already learning and retaining healthy living information."

Aside from the multitude of programs for children, Green has a plan in place for those looking to volunteer. "Right now we have a program slated to begin in May, where roughly 20 people in other cities ready to be trained as independent Ginger Kids instructors. It would run something like Mary Kay. We (Ginger Kids) would train each person and handle marketing responsibilities. They in turn would teach children in their respective cities," said Green.

When asked about branching out to other counties across New York State, Green added this. "We are tentatively scheduled to be implementing the Ginger Kids program in about 30 schools by year's end."