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MEDIA ADVISORY

Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Garces Foundation help kids eat healthy

Fifth graders from Montgomery County and Philadelphia visit Chef Jose Garces’ Luna Farm

Philadelphia, PA – May 19, 2015

What:

The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (The Foundation) and Garces Foundation, a Foundation Healthy Futures Initiative “Eat Right” partner, are hosting an event at The Garces Luna Farm for 60 fifth graders from St. Joseph the Protector School in Montgomery County and St. Gabriel School in Philadelphia. Students will visit Luna Farm in Bucks County to see, smell, taste, touch, and hear first-hand how fresh, healthy eating can improve their health. Celebrity Chef Jose Garces will lead the students in a cooking class after they have harvested ingredients from the farm gardens.

Healthy Futures initiative is a three-year, nearly $3 million comprehensive, collaborative approach to combating obesity and improving child wellness in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Healthy Futures focuses on three components of healthy living — “Eat Right,” “Get Fit” and “Stay Well” — each brought to life in area schools through partnerships with national and regional leaders with expertise in nutrition, fitness, and preventative health. Launched in August 2013, Healthy Futures offers programming in 25 regional schools, directly affecting more than 1,000 students and their families.

As part of “Eat Right,” the Garces Foundation will educate children about the nutritional benefits of sustainable agriculture, meal preparation, and healthy eating. The Garces Foundation, founded in 2012 by Chef Jose and Dr. Beatriz Mirabal Garces, is devoted to making Philadelphia the best place to live, work, and play by seeing that all residents have access to the care they need. The Garces Foundation’s goal is to connect people to the many resources that already exist within the city.

When:

Tuesday, May 19, 10 a.m.

Where:

The Garces Luna Farm
39 Park Rd.
Ottsville, PA 18942

Who:

Jose Garces, Chef and cofounder of the Garces Foundation
50 fifth graders from St. Joseph the Protector School and St. Gabriel School
Lorina Marshall-Blake, Independence Blue Cross Foundation president

Key Visuals:

Students exploring Luna Farm
Jose Garces and kids preparing food, touring the gardens

About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is a charitable, private foundation, whose mission is leading solutions for a healthier community. The Foundation targets the following areas of impact:

Learn more by visiting our website: www.ibxfoundation.org. Connect with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on Twitter at @ibxfdn.

Media contact
Ruth Stoolman
Independence Blue Cross
215-241-4807 (office)
215-280-3335 (cell)
ruth.stoolman@ibx.com