Earl Travillion students receive gift from Pine Belt Organizations | Health

All 200+ students at Earl Travillion Attendance Center received custom-designed laminated placemats today as the result of a generous gift from several Pine Belt organizations. The placemats, created by Mississippi Public Broadcasting as part of their “Ed Said” program, were purchased for local students by Forrest General and presented at the school in conjunction with the Junior Auxiliary, American Heart Association and the Pinebelt Wellness Council.

Each of the participating organizations is committed to creating a healthier community for kids and adults alike, and works toward that goal in various ways. The Pinebelt Wellness Council was created by Forrest General and the City of Hattiesburg to bring together local organizations interested in improving the health of our community, with a particular focus on addressing childhood obesity. The Junior Auxiliary works hand-in-hand with local schools through their Healthy Kids Program to find ways to implement healthy choices into the students’ everyday lives. The American Heart Association, which partnered with Forrest General to host National Healthy Eating Day on November 7, is focused on the importance of good nutrition in maintaining a healthy heart.

“We are very pleased to be able to provide these healthy eating guidelines to the students at Earl Travillion in a fun, practical format,” said Forrest General Chief Marketing and Medical Staff Services Officer Millie Swan. “These placemats are something that the students can take home and share with their parents and siblings, which is a great way to get families talking about healthy food choices, especially during the holiday season. Forrest General, The Pinebelt Wellness Council, the AHA and Junior Auxiliary are all committed to helping create a healthier Pine Belt, and this collaboration is just one way to help accomplish that goal.”