Metro Parks Tacoma and Subway® Restaurants Partner in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity

TACOMA, Wash., June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Childhood obesity affects 17% of all children and adolescents in the United States. Recognizing this growing epidemic plaguing our nation, Metro Parks Tacoma has partnered with Subway® Restaurants to overhaul the nutritional value of summer lunches the district provides in its parks through the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Metro Parks is the only public agency in the state partnering with a national restaurant chain to provide children with meals exceeding the minimum standards for free summer lunches available through the program.

While out of school during the summer months, the USDA Simplified Summer Food Program keeps children who otherwise may go hungry fed through local parks and playgrounds, such as Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT).With childhood obesity reaching crisis levels, MPT has taken this opportunity to aid in the fight. Joining with Subway® Restaurants in its efforts, the Park District will provide free, well-balanced lunches and snacks to Tacoma-area youth, offering them a diet that not only meets but exceeds national health guidelines.  

"While ensuring children have food to eat is a vital first step, what we are feeding them is even more important," says Shon Sylvia, director of recreation and community services, Metro Parks Tacoma. "We made the decision to invest more in the summer food program to express our commitment to the health and well-being of our community. It's great having Subway Restaurants in our parks."

As Dr. Anthony Chen, Director of Health at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and member of the Tacoma-Pierce County ACHIEVE Board of Directors notes, "Keeping our kids active and feeding them healthy meals throughout the summer are two of the most important things we can do for their health. We can help our children lead healthier lives by supporting improvements to school nutrition, summer meal programs and providing them access to physical activities. Metro Parks Tacoma has taken a leadership position in helping children in Pierce County achieve the healthy lives that all kids deserve."

To support this partnership, Metro Parks Tacoma will distribute SUBWAY® FRESH Fit for Kids® meals, developed to fit into the American Heart Association's approach to a healthy lifestyle.  These meals are intended to fill the nutrition gap and ensure children get the meals they need as part of the MPT annual Summer Playground program. Subway® Restaurants will supply fresh, healthy meals – including grains, vegetables, fruits, lean protein and dairy items.

"We look forward to the positive impact Subway will bring to the Simplified Summer Food Program," said Ethan Golf, President of Subway Development of Southwestern Washington. "Subway's approach to nutrition brings a wonderful approach to addressing obesity and nutrition issues. We are excited to take part in Tacoma's development towards becoming a more health-conscious community."

SUBWAY MEAL SITE LOCATIONS

The Metro Parks Summer Playground and Free Lunch program runs June 20 to August 19, offering meal sites along with active recreation opportunities for kids at a number of Tacoma parks and facilities. The program runs 7 days a week; with lunches served Monday-Friday from noon-1pm (weekends include activities only).

Locations

Monday - Sunday at:
Jefferson Park, McKinley Playfield South Park and Wright Park

Monday- Friday at:
Franklin Park, Jane Clark Park, Manitou Park and Portland Ave Playfield

Monday, Wednesday & Friday at:
Stafford Elementary

ABOUT METRO PARKS TACOMA

Metro Parks Tacoma, whose mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow, was established as Washington's first independent park district in 1907.  Today, the park district maintains and cares for more than 65 parks and open spaces in the Tacoma area including Point Defiance Park with its Zoo and Aquarium, Boathouse Marina, and Fort Nisqually; Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville; W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory; Meadow Park Golf Course; and Ruston Way waterfront parks including Les Davis Pier.

Metro Parks Tacoma builds a healthy community, a vibrant region and a sustainable environment by promoting active lifestyles and strong individuals and families through parks, programs, and partnerships.

ABOUT SUBWAY® RESTAURANTS

Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and with regional offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Brisbane, Miami and Singapore, the Subway® chain was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. Their partnership, which continues today, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey — one that has made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business.

In the 2010 Zagat® Fast Food Survey, the Subway® brand was ranked "number one" by consumers in the "Most Popular," "Top Service" and "Healthy Options" categories for food brands with 5,000 or more locations. Subway® restaurants were also recently ranked as the most loved Fast Food Chain in the U.S., according to Amplicate, a research firm, that specializes in the public opinions of social media users.

SOURCE Metro Parks Tacoma; Subway Restaurants