MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Various base organizations are currently hosting the Annual Healthy Lifestyle Festival at the commissary on MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 14-16.
The goal of this event is to raise awareness and encourage individuals to live and eat healthier by consuming more fruits and vegetables.
The Defense Commissary Agency holds the festival annually across various military installations. This year’s theme is “Shop healthy, eat healthy and be healthy.”
On July 14-15, the events consisted of several activities to include sushi cooking classes, numerous health displays, taste testing and raffles. A coloring contest is scheduled for July 16.
“I loved taking the sushi class and learning about a quick and healthy meal option,” said Nicki Jaehn, a military veteran and spouse.
A Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) booth was also setup during the event. The booth focused on educating attendees on healthy food options and promoted the classes and services provided by the HAWC.
According to the 6th Medical Group, only 10.1 percent of MacDill Airmen consumed more than four servings of fruits and vegetables daily in 2016.
“This event is important because it increases awareness and educates that small changes can lead to a long-lasting and healthy effect, said Miriam Mitchell, a health promotions educator with the HAWC. “Educating people is key to creating change.”