Commit to Be Fit Newsletter
April 18th, 2022
1 September 2023/ Issue No. 253
Photo of the Week
Farmers markets have such positive vibes! Check out all the smiles in this week's photo of the week. See our POP-Bucks information in the announcements section.
RCPS Awarded Healthy Meals Incentives Grant
Earlier this week, RCPS shared some very exciting news! Read the division's announcement below.
Together, with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) and USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Rappahannock County Public Schools is dedicated to strengthening school meals to improve children’s health. As part of the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, we are excited to share that RCPS was awarded a two- year grant to support our efforts to improve the nutritional quality of school meals. The Healthy Meals Incentive grant is part of an allocation of nearly $30 million by the USDA FNS to 264 school districts across 44 states and the District of Columbia. RCPS was the sole grantee for the state of Virginia. Jackie Tederick, Commit to Be Fit Wellness Integration Coordinator and Food Services Supervisor, has big plans to put these generous funds to good use, starting with the hiring of local farmer and chef, Brian Volmrich (pictured above), to serve as the Cafeteria Liaison for both school cafes.
Brian Volmrich (pictured above) has a vast history and experience with food encompassing all aspects from growing and cultivating to foraging and cooking and baking from pubs to exclusive Michelin star restaurants and staging around the country in some of the best restaurants. A Pittsburg native, Brain moved to Virginia in 2001 to work at The Inn at Little Washington, a five-star, five-diamond Relais & Chateaux Property. Following his experience at The Inn, he became Chef de Cuisine at L’Auberge Provencale, a four-diamond property in White Post, VA. After moving back to his hometown in Pennsylvania for a few years to raise his family, Brian and his wife, Shauna, and two sons returned to Rappahannock County in 2017. Since then, he has run his own vegetable and egg farm in Flint Hill.
Volmrich will provide in-house training for café staff to further enhance efficiency and self-efficacy in scratch-made meal preparation; provide monthly taste-testing opportunities for students; use input from students and families to create healthier menus utilizing locally sourced foods.
Additionally, the grant funds will be used to update kitchen equipment to prepare nutritionally-rich meals in a more expedient manner. Also, the addition of a new hoop house will be instrumental in the growing and harvesting of lettuce and herbs to serve in the cafeterias while enriching our farm-to-table program for PreK-12th grades.
The additional funding provides opportunities to promote a nutrition-focused environment that provides students with education and opportunities to make healthier food choices. Ultimately, it will further enhance a culture of wellness in the schools where all students have the opportunity to provide input on meal options and become nutrition champions in our community.
Commit to Be Fit is excited to host a FREE community event featuring Karen's Line Dancing! Bring your family and join us for 2 hours of line dancing lessons!! 😀
Come visit our booth, along with all other vendors, at the Art of Aging Lifestyle and Wellness Expo on Wednesday, September 20th at Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church from 10 am- 1 pm.
Community Challenge
Commit to Be Fit is challenging the entire Rapp community to take our 150 Challenge! It is recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Additionally, adults should participate in 2 muscle-strengthening activities weekly.
Moderate-intensity aerobic activity includes anything that gets your heart beating faster. Examples may include walking, dancing, biking, gardening, swimming, aerobics, sports, backyard games, etc.
Muscle-strengthening activities are activities that make your muscles work harder than usual. This may include climbing stairs, heavy gardening (digging and shoveling), weight lifting, bodyweight exercises (squats, push-ups, planks, water aerobics, etc.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE- Starting September 4th, complete a minimum of 150 minutes per week for 4 weeks (September 4th – October 1st). The 150 minutes should include at least 2 muscle-strengthening activities. For example, climbing stairs counts towards your total minutes and is considered a muscle-strengthening activity.
CLICK HERE to view flier and activity log
HOW TO ENTER THE PRIZE DRAWING- Turn in your completed activity logs to c2bf@rappahannockschools.us (or drop them off at the school board office) by October 5th. Everyone who submits a completed activity log with 150 minutes per week will be entered into our prize drawing! One lucky winner will receive a C2BF duffle bag!
RCPS staff- if you are participating in the Superintendent’s Physical Activity Award Challenge, you are automatically eligible for this challenge as well!
POP Bucks Market Bags & Tokens
Through a PATH Foundation grant, Commit to Be Fit is excited to continue the POP (Power of Produce) Bucks program to provide access to local food and support our local 2023 Farmers Market season. EVERY Rappahannock County Public Schools student has the opportunity to redeem a POP Bucks Market Bag, which will include local produce, protein, bread, and more! Plus, every student picking up a market bag will be given two $5 tokens to redeem for additional items at participating market vendors. To learn more and/or to sign-up for your appointment date (REQUIRED), visit https://www.rappc2bf.com/pop-bucks
*Once the sign-up is full for the upcoming weekend, the link will close. Be sure to check back each week for availability.
Move for Better Health
There are over 10,000 minutes in a week. Did you know that moving for only 150 of them is enough to have substantial health benefits? According to the Department of Health and Human Services, regularly engaging in a minimum of 150 minutes of weekly physical activity (including two muscle-strengthening activities) leads to the following health benefits.
- Lower risk of all-cause mortality*
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality*
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke)*
- Lower risk of hypertension*
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes*
- Lower risk of adverse blood lipid profile*
- Lower risk of cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach*
- Improved cognition*
- Reduced risk of dementia (including Alzheimer's disease)*
- Improved quality of life*
- Reduced anxiety*
- Reduced risk of depression*
- Improved sleep*
- Slowed or reduced weight gain*
- Weight loss, particularly when combined with reduced calorie intake*
- Prevention of weight regain following initial weight loss*
- Improved bone health*
- Improved physical function*
- Lower risk of falls (older adults)*
- Lower risk of fall-related injuries (older adults)*
Commit to Be Fit is challenging the Rapp community to take our 150 minutes challenge. Starting Sept. 4th, log your physical activity each week. While any movement is better than none, the goal is to engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity. Essentially, anything that increases your heart rate counts. This may include walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, aerobics, dancing, sports, backyard games, gardening, circuit training, etc. Additionally, adults should engage in two separate muscle-strengthening activities: weight lifting, body weight exercises, stair climbing, etc. Find a way to incorporate movement opportunities throughout the day and watch those minutes add up.
RCPS staff- While this is separate from the Superintendent's Physical Activity Award Challenge, if you are participating in Dr. Grimsley's challenge, you are automatically eligible for the community challenge as well.
Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto & Shrimp
This week's recipe comes from EatingWell and features zucchini, avocado, pistachios, basil, and shrimp.
Staff Challenge Starts Monday, Sept. 4th
RCPS Staff-- Dr. Grimsley is challenging all RCPS staff to engage in physical activity! Similar to last year’s Governor’s Physical Activity Award, this challenge is designed to get you into the routine of creating healthy movement habits. Be sure to check your inboxes for more information on this awesome challenge!
Teacher Resources
RCPS Teachers-- As a friendly reminder, we have a massive database of brain breaks (PreK-12) and movement games/activities with SOL and content integration ideas (PK-5). CLICK HERE to view the Teacher Resource page. If you prefer, the C2BF team would be happy to come to your classroom and lead a brain break, activity, or even a mindful minute. Email c2bf@rappahannockschools.us to schedule a push-in.
Commit to Be Fit is a school sponsored, grant funded program in Rappahannock County, Virginia. Through the generosity of the PATH Foundation, Commit to Be Fit was created to promote a culture of wellness in Rappahannock County Public Schools and the Rappahannock community.