CHOMP program receives certificate of recognition

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula's Kids Eat Right Program received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congressman Jimmy Panetta on May 9.

The certificate recognizes the hospital's work addressing the growing problem of obesity in Monterey County through its elementary school nutrition and fitness program. With approximately 45 percent of Monterey County residents with diabetes or prediabetes, the program targets children in local elementary schools when health habits are forming.

Panetta presented the certificate at Community Hospital in a meeting with Steven Packer, MD, president/CEO, and staff involved in Kids Eat Right.

Staff from the hospital and volunteers take the five-week program to schools for hands-on food preparation, fun physical activity, and creative classroom learning, all designed to teach them to make lifelong healthy choices.

The Kids Eat Right program was made possible by leadership and support from Montage Health Foundation through a $500,000 grant from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and additional funding from Wells Fargo, the Barnet Segal Trust, and the Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation. Additionally, the employee giving program at Community Hospital has contributed to the program for three years.