Sure, there will be vendors, flu shots and a food bank donation station at the Mills College health fair on September 23. But things are also going to get messy. Why? Food fight.
To make the food fight happen, students need to bring in junk food from their rooms or homes and exchange them for healthy snacks. The first 10 students who bring in their snacks will be a part of the food fight game.
“I am really excited for the food fight,” said Kim Baranek the health fair organizer. “It should be fun.”
Baranek said the health fair’s goal is to promote healthy lifestyles such as eating balanced meals and exercising. There will also be flu shots for the entire campus. Kaiser members can get the shot for free; non-Kaiser members can pay $20 for a shot. In addition, there will be over 50 local vendors such as chiropractors.
“A lot of outside resources and organizations bringing information for the Mills students to have more resources they can use,” Baranek said.
In addition to students receiving services, they can provide as well be at the Alameda County Food Bank station, which will be accepting donations. All that is asked is for the foods to be non-perishable such as canned goods.
And then there will be even more food.
Founders will be serving lunch on Toyon Meadow. According to Founders’ executive chef Jaime Dominguez, the menu may include items such as a garden burger, grilled vegetables, tofu kabobs, barbeque chicken, baked beans, watermelon and other healthy choices.
“I feel the health fair is a great opportunity to learn about the community and to learn how to be healthy,” Dominguez said.
There will also be other free healthy food samples, along with the massage class at Mills giving free massages and acupuncture. An active zone for students to move around and play will be available. Raffled prizes will be given out; examples of past prizes are beach chairs, blankets, and free visits to a chiropractor.
Beyond giving students an opportunity to learn about health, though, Baranek said the health fair would be an entertaining break between classes.
According to Jisel Moore, a sophomore, last year’s health fair was informative and interesting.
“The raffle prizes are cool and it’s really fun,” the 19-year-old said. “Everyone should go because there will be great info. And helpful.”
