The Healthy Kids Partnership between Kaiser Permanente and the Alameda County Fair

This year Kaiser Permanente is partnering with the Alameda County Fair to sponsor "Kids Days" as a part of an effort spearheaded by Alameda County Supervisor Chan to encourage healthy lifestyle habits for children and their families. Young fair goers will have access to "Healthy Picks" menu options at food stands, healthy living giveaways, as well as a mini-health fair to educate families on the benefits of active living and healthy eating. Children 12 and under also receive free admission to the Alameda County Fair during Kaiser Permanente "Kids Free Fridays."

The “Healthy Picks” menu options will include veggie burgers, turkey burgers, grilled chicken breast burgers, roasted corn, salads, grilled veggies, baked potatoes, grilled veggie kabobs, fruit medley, shrimp cocktails, fish ceviche, risotto stuffed roasted fresh artichokes, farmers chopped salads, portabello burgers, lettuce wraps, wild turkey burgers, and an assortment of healthy drinks.

"Increased access to healthy foods and physical activity is critical when nearly 30 percent of children living in Alameda County are overweight and at risk for developing future adverse health conditions," commented Supervisor Chan. "I commend the partnership between Kaiser Permanente and the Alameda County Fair to create this exciting opportunity to promote healthy choices for children that will also benefit parents and adults too."

Kaiser Permanente spokesperson Jennifer Scanlon said, “We are happy to be a part of the Alameda County Fair this year and to be able to connect with families in the community about the importance of active lifestyle choices and healthy foods. Our goal is to inspire kids early on to develop lifelong healthy habits through both the fresh, tasty food and fun games that this year's fair will bring."

Kaiser Permanente Kids Free Fridays are taking place on all three Fridays during the fair, June 21, June 28 and July 5. Special weekend activities are kicking off on Kaiser Permanente Kids Days such as the Alameda County’s Largest Classroom program. That program features the Youth Sports and Fitness Weekend (June 21 – 23); The Youth Robot, Rockets and Space Weekend (June 28-30); The Youth Water, Wind, Weather Weekend (July 5-7); along with Storyville, Youth Battle of the Bands, Kids Activities, and many more.

Alameda County Fair Board President Janet Lockhart said, “The Alameda County Fair is proud to combine its tradition of providing educational fun for kids in the summer while promoting community wellness with the support of Kaiser Permanente and leadership of Supervisor Chan.”  “We look forward to helping to connect our younger residents to the fair’s wide range of attractions that includes healthy foods and activities through Kaiser Permanente's sponsorship of "Kids Days,” said Gordon Galvan, Alameda County Fair Board Director.

The 101st Alameda County Fair opened June 19 and runs through July 7.  It is the largest single event in Alameda County and has a wide range of attractions and activities for everyone. These include live thoroughbred racing, agriculture & competitive exhibits, cultural and specialty days, home art & technological competitions, specialty foods, free concerts and exciting carnival thrill rides. The Alameda County Fair racetrack is the Oldest One-Mile Horse Racing Track in America, dating back to 1858.

The fair takes place in Pleasanton, California and is operated by the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association, a private, non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. The fair originated in 1859 as a floral fair, and will be celebrating its 101st anniversary this year. The first modern-day Alameda County Fair was held in 1939, and has been held annually with the exception of the war years. To learn more, visit www.AlamedaCountyFair.com.