Rymfire Elementary School Earns Bronze by Creating a Healthier Environment

The Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program helps schools improve access to healthier foods; increase physical activity opportunities before, during and after the school day; enhance nutrition education; and establish staff wellness programs to build a healthier school environment. The Healthy Schools Program recognizes schools that succeed in addressing these areas at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold level. Rymfire Elementary School in Palm Coast, FL received the National Healthy Schools Bronze Award in 2014.

“At Rymfire Elementary we have taken great strides in the right direction for our students to be more active,” said PTO member Beth Blumengarten. Activity comes in the form of dance, yoga, running, basketball, lacrosse, and even jump rope at the school. Physical activity is not the only thing that’s changing—Rymfire is also putting an emphasis on teaching kids how to eat healthy. Last year, the school hosted a Family Day where family members were invited to try fresh garden vegetables and learn how to grow them. Blumengarten notices that students and staff seem happier and that behavior problems have decreased since making the changes. “It is amazing to see the progress that Rymfire has made to be a healthier school. I can't wait to see what the future holds!" she said.