South Carolina DSS celebrates healthy living through week-long initiative

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The SC Department of Social Services is celebrating healthier eating through a week-long initiative.

And they’re hoping you’ll join in by making better choices when it comes to food and exercise.

Supervisor Greta Avery says the federally funded “Child and Adult-Care Food Program” aims to promote healthier eating by reimbursing local child and adult care centers, child care homes, after school programs, and emergency shelters that offer healthy meals and snacks.

“It could be a nonprofit organization, it could be a for profit organization, they just have to meet the requirements of the program,” says Avery.

Over the course of the previous year, the department reports that they served more than 17 million meals and reimbursed over $39 million to participating providers across the state — that’s around 74,000 meals to over 165,000 kids and adults each day.

And Avery says there’s an easy way for folks across the Midlands to join in and have a more healthy lifestyle — by following their “5210 South Carolina” campaign.

That means aiming to consume five different fruits and vegetables a day, no more than two hours of recreational screen time, at least one hour of physical activity…

“Do other things. Go outside. Play board games. Kickball. Do gardening. Anything else other than looking at the screen,” says Avery.

And, finally, try to consume zero sugary beverages.

“I think it’s always important to remember that small changes go a long way,” says ABC Columbia’s Lee Williams. “You know, I like to say this too, Lee — consistency is key!” says Avery.

The theme for this week’s celebration is “Trying New Foods” — encouraging everyone to make healthier meals from different cultures.

“Lee you might say ‘Ewww. But you don’t know until you try it. We have found you have to try something new more than once,” she says.

And if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to healthier eating, the USDA offers plenty of helpful guidelines.  You can view them here. 

“So do that in your office, do that with your friends, and take on the 5210 South Carolina,” says Avery.