Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, whose district includeds El Cerrito and Kensington, has issued a plea for a "Happy Healthy Halloween."
He urges that trick-or-treaters be given alternatives to unhealthy junk food, and he invites residents to visit his district office from 1-5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday this week for "a free Healthy Halloween sample bag."
Here is an email notice that Gioia sent out last week:
I love Halloween, with its costumes, pumpkin carving, trick or treating, and haunted houses. But, as both a parent and a public official, I strongly believe in the importance of encouraging healthy eating. This is especially important at a time when our country faces an epidemic of childhood obesity, which is linked to many serious health problems including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
We need to counter the billion dollar advertising blitz waged by junk foodmanufacturers around Halloween, much of which targets children.
Halloween treats can be colorful and festive without the sugar, fat, and empty calories of candy. I encourage you to join the growing numbers of people passing out fun, festive treats like pencils, erasers, markers, stickers, small toys, or all-fruit snacks. I know from my 8-year old daughter just how much kids like them.
Please stop by my office Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of next week for a free Healthy Halloween sample bag.
I'm also donating healthy treats to Verde Elementary School in North Richmond to replace all of the of candy students normally receive at school Halloween parties.
Gioia's office is at 11780 San Pablo Ave. in El Cerrito.
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What do you plan to give trick-or-treaters who come to your door? Tell us in the comments?
