The Oliver Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Oliver Foundation Healthy Choices Grant
The goal of the Oliver Foundation is to encourage children, families and communities in Texas to improve the eating and physical activity patterns of Pre-K, elementary and Middle School children.
Grants will be awarded to Texas non-profit organizations, agencies and schools that demonstrate the greatest need and likelihood of sustainable impact on children's nutrition and activity levels through innovative programs.
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Upcoming
Presentations
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
October 21, 2013
Houston, TX
TITLE:
How Dietitians and Teens Partner to "STOP" Childhood Obesity
Presented by
Deborah L. Woehler,MS,RD,LD
Executive Director
Oliver Foundation
Danielle Fournier
Teen Board President
Craig Johnston, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Baylor College of Medicine
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Recipe
Sweet & Spicy
Butternut Squash
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Refrigerator Life: 3 days
1 butternut squash (1.5 lbs)
4 Tbsp vegetable oil (for low fat version, use 1-2 Tbsp oil)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1. Wash, peel and cut squash lengthwise, remove seeds, Cut in 1 inch pieces.
2. Heat oil in a medium non-stick skillet or saucepan. Add cumin seeds and brown - do not let them burn. Add the chopped squash, turmeric, red pepper, salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook until squash becomes completely soft and mashed, stirring occasionally, and mashing with a large spoon, about 25 minutes. Enjoy!
From local award-wining cookbook author, Shubhra Ramieni's Healthy Indian Vegetarian Cooking.
Visit the Oliver Foundation website for more recipes.
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The Oliver Foundation has awarded seven Healthy Choices grants to the following schools and Summer Programs
Fort Bend County Kids and Cops, Inc. Summer Camp
Fort Bend County, TX
Dulles Middle School
Sugar Land, TX
Turner Elementary School - Pasadena, TX
Simon Middle School
Kyle, TX
Oyster Creek Elementary
Sugar Land, TX
Missouri City Middle School Missouri City, TX
Ft. Bend Independent School District PE Dept.
Sugar Land , TX
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National School Lunch Week October 14-18,2013
TAKE A TEXAS-SIZE TASTE TOUR is this year's theme for Texas. Join your school's child nutrition department in celebrating National School Lunch Week. Share the menu with your students and encourage healthy eating. Many of our fruits and vegetables,whole grains, dairy and protein are grown locally right here in Texas. Monday: Protein is Big in Texas. Chicken, fish, beef, eggs, milk and beans are all produced in Texas! Tuesday: It's a Texas-Size Day for Vegetables. The state vegetable is the ten-fifteen onion. Leafy green kale and carrots are big in Texas, too. Wednesday: All Aboard the Whole Grain Train. Try some whole grain rich breads and cereals. Thursday: Next Stop is a Fruity Treat. Red grapefruit is the state fruit of Texas. Oranges, apples peaches and strawberries are also grown in Texas. Friday: Finish Strong with Dairy Day. Fat-free or low fat milk, yogurt and cheese are great choices for your 3-a-day dairy. Parents: If you pack a home lunch, be sure to include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit a Farmers Market or a local farm with your family to learn about local produce in Texas. Visit squaremeals.org for more information from the Texas Department of Agriculture. |
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Oliver Foundation Book Signing Fundraiser
The event at Le Creuset 5515 Kelvin Boulevard, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77005, with local award-winning cookbook author Shubhra Ramineni, was a huge success. Thank you to all who attended and purchased the cookbooks, Entice with Spice and Healthy Indian Vegetarian Cooking, Easy Recipes for the Hurry Home Cook.
If you were not able to attend and would like to make a donation and receive the cookbooks, click link for more information.
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Oliver Teen Board Preside nt, Danielle Fournier , was recently awarded the Rising Star Award for Texan youth leaders in obesity prevention at the 2013 Texas Health Award Ceremony in Austin, TX.
The award is sponsored by The University of Texas School of Public Health and the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living. Danielle was awarded a full scholarship to the Southern Obesity Summit (SOS), November 19-21, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee sponsored by the Texas Health Institute. Danielle has been selected to present at the SOS Conference.
Oliver Foundation Healthy Choices Grant Recipient
Congratulations to Turner Elementary, Pasadena ISD Calories In & Calories Out Program Grant funding was used to purchase the Wii Fit DDR Energy Class package where students can have fun while getting fit. The program provides a low impact aerobic exercise and dance game where students can follow cues that include numbers, geometric shapes and directions as they move easily around the mats, boards and pads. While being active, the students will learn about net calories and fat calories. The students will learn how much vigorous active it takes to burn fat calories, thus Calories In & Calories Out. This program will also be available to staff and faculty as part of their Staff Health Wellness Program.
Meet the Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board
The Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board is a 12-18 member organization represented by students across the Houston area.
Each month you'll meet a different member who will share their perspective on living a healthy life.
 Shelby Barhorst serves as Vice President and has been a member of the Teen Board since 2012. Shelby is a junior at Houston Christian High School where she plays both varsity volleyball and lacrosse. She is ranked in the first quartile of her class and is a member of National Honor Society as well as being a student ambassador. Shelby also volunteers as a peer assisted learning tutor for her school and won the award for most outstanding algebra two student her sophomore year. This past summer, Shelby took part in a Christian Leadership Program where she backpacked through the Rocky Mountains and received her certification in lifeguarding and CPR. She also interned at Iscential Insurance Agency during the summer of 2013. |
Shelby's Healthy Tips for Texas School Lunch Week:
Monday: Hard-boiled eggs are a delicious and healthy way to add protein to your diet, whether it be in the morning or for an afternoon snack.
Tuesday: Baked kale chips are a great healthy alternative instead of potato chips to add to lunches. The best part, just pop them in the oven with a little olive oil and you have a delicious snack!
Wednesday: A fun and interesting way to incorporate whole grains, into your diet are homemade whole grain fruit bars. However, if baking isn't an option, try substituting all of your white breads with whole grain. This switch will provide nutrients including protein, fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants in your diet.
Thursday: Fruit can be used in a variety of ways in your diet but a good breakfast substitute is offering whole fruits like grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries which will provide you with immunity boosting vitamin C and lots of fiber.
Friday: Low fat milk and low fat cottage cheese are great sources of dairy for the body. Greek yogurt, higher in protein and lower in sugar than regular yogurt, is also another great option.
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Lesson Title: Pumpkin Facts
L-6 GRADE: K - 5th OBJECTIVE:
Students will practice reading and writing, learning facts about Pumpkins.
MATERIALS:
Fruit Fun Facts Handouts
Paper
Colors/Markers
Pumpkin
INSTRUCTION: Teachers will read the Pumpkin Fun Fact Sheet with the students. Students can "feel" the pumpkin, part of the five senses. Teacher can cut the pumpkin and let the students see and feel the seeds. Students can then write about the feel and nutrition facts. Give instruction on how the seeds can be roasted and eaten as a snack.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (Take home recipe for students) 1. Separate seeds from the pumpkin fiber. 2. Rinse with water and pat dry on a paper towel. 3. In a small bowl, toss the seeds with 2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil, sprinkle lightly with salt. 4. Transfer the seeds to a baking sheet and spread out evenly. 5. Bake at 300 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until light brown. Cool before snacking. Looking for more nutrition integrated lessons? Go to the Oliver Kids Manual where you'll find 50+ lessons. |
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Have you created a Healthy School Environment in your district? Send us an e-mail and tell us all about it - info@oliverfoundation.org .
You may be spotlighted in the next Oliver Foundation newsletter - T.E.A.M. Talk.

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Sincerely,
Oliver Foundation |
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