North Dakota youth have a chance to help others learn about the importance of making healthful food choices and getting regular exercise.
The youth can test their creativity at the same time.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service - Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences and the Center for 4-H Youth Development have teamed up to hold this year's "Eat Smart. Play Hard. Together." poster contest. The North Dakota Dietetic Association also is sponsoring the contest.
"'Eat Smart. Play Hard. Together.' is a credible, interactive, age-appropriate program that promotes well-balanced nutrition, and fun and creative activities," says Kelly Fisher, president of the North Dakota Dietetic Association. "The registered dietitians of North Dakota are proud to help sponsor this program."
The "On the Move to Better Heart Health" contest is open to youth 8 to 19 years old as of Sept. 1, 2010. Entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2011.
Posters will be judged in two divisions: preteen (ages 8 to 12) and teen (ages 13 to 19).
The theme of the posters must relate directly to eating heart-healthy foods and/or playing hard to build and keep a healthy heart. Judges will consider how well the posters present information, their general appearance and their importance to educating others about healthy lifestyles.
Here are some contest rules:
* Posters cannot be larger than 22 by 28 inches.
* Posters can be made with construction paper, poster board or tagboard.
* Three-dimensional posters won't be allowed.
* Copyrighted characters, such as Snoopy, Charlie Brown or cartoon characters, can't be used.
* The competition is for individuals, not teams.
* The submission form must be attached to the back of the poster.
Mail entries to Center for 4-H Youth Development, Attn: Eat Smart. Play Hard. Poster Contest Entry - FLC 219, NDSU Dept. 7280, P.O. Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050.
The winners in both divisions will receive a $50 gift card for first place, a $35 gift card for second place and a $15 gift card for third place.
"Eat Smart. Play Hard." is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. Its objective is making America's children healthier. It includes practical suggestions to motive children and their caregivers to eat a healthful diet and be active.
For background information to help create a poster, visit these Web sites: http://www.ndsu.edu/eatsmart, http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhard and http://www.mypyramid.gov. Contest rules and a submission form are available at http://www.ndsu.edu/4h/projects/group_projects/#c58124. Scroll down to Eat Smart. Play Hard.
