RI Asks, "Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?"

Frank E. Thompson Middle School, 39 Broadway, Newport, RI | Get Directions »
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RI Statewide READ, March 11^th for

National Nutrition Month

“Is Your Hair Made Of Donuts?” Statewide Read

More than 75,000 students at more than 200 schools, libraries, youth programs, and health centers throughout Rhode Island will participate in the Statewide Read event of RI author Joy Feldman’s children’s book, “Is Your Hair Made Of Donuts?” on March 11, 2013 (March 12, 2013 in Warwick).  The event recognizes March as National Nutrition Month and Feldman says, “This is an act of solidarity on behalf of the health of our children.  With the addition of celebrity readers, we have created a unique event of synergy in celebrating good food and good health for our children, and for ourselves.”

Guest readers include Governor Chaffee, Mayor Avedisian, Mayor Diossa, Mayor Fontaine, Mayor Fung, Mayor Grebien, Mayor Lombardi, Mayor Polisena, and Mayor Tavares, Dr. Michael Fine, Director of the RI Dept. of Health; NBC10’s reporter Molly O’Brien, State Capitol TV Host Dave Barber, Chief Medical Officer Renee Rulin, M.D. of UnitedHealthcare and Rep. Frank Ferri (Warwick), faculty and others will participate.

Nine Corporate sponsors are also joining to provide support, including books, and healthy snacks. Participating are Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, Champion Juicers, Dr. Day Care, East Side Marketplace, Sodexo, UnitedHealthcare, United Natural Foods (UNFI), Walgreens, and Whole Foods Market. The Boys & Girls Club of East Providence is providing administrative support.

Participating Newport locations are:

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center

Newport Boys and Girls Club

Thompson Middle School

Head Start, Joel Peckham Center

Head Start, Newport Center

On March 12, Feldman is scheduled to be recognized at the RI House & Senate at 3:45 p.m., where she will receive a proclamation for her efforts and senators and representatives will be provided her children’s book.  Cities and towns with schools participating will also be recognized.

Joy Feldman, RI author and nutritional consultant reads in schools throughout the year, but wanted to broaden the program to create positive community energy in the smallest state in the country. Known for her trademark two-foot high donut hat, Feldman captures the attention of children, educators, leaders, and adults to deliver her powerful message of healthy eating.

“In addition to calling attention to the ever-increasing childhood obesity epidemic, the statewide read demonstrates that are young people can be empowered to make healthier food choices for themselves, when they can.  I literally started to recruit schools one at a time, and I am exhilarated at the response, as well as grateful for the Governor, Chair of the Board of Education and the seven Rhode Island mayors and so many others taking the time to be with the children, sponsor the program, and create an event which can have a lasting impact as the entire country recognizes National Nutrition Month," Feldman said.

There is no cost to participate, with just one book needed for reading purposes. Schools and programs have been adding to the program by recruiting their own readers, local companies to enhance the program, and more. Feldman is asking any school or group that would like to join on to the Statewide Read to register so their participation can be recorded.  They will receive a certificate of appreciation for their efforts.  More information, including registration information, is available at: www.isyourhairmadeofdonuts.com, or emailing author Joy Feldman directly at joy@joyfeldman.com.