Local organizations partner to inspire healthy habits for youth in Monterey County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monica Sciuto (831) 622-2756
Communication and Marketing: (831) 625-4505
Aspire Health and Montage Health Foundation partnered with Monterey Bay F.C. for Healthy Youth Field Day, a half-day event focusing on healthy nutrition and physical activity.
MARINA, CA. — More than 120 Monterey County elementary school students attended Healthy Youth Field Day, presented by Montage Health Foundation and Aspire Health at Cardinale Stadium, home of the Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) on Wednesday.
The partnership between Aspire Health, Montage Health Foundation, and Monterey Bay F.C. inspired healthy habits for Monterey County youth with a half-day event that focused on healthy nutrition and physical activity through an easy-to-remember 5210 framework — five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of recreational screen time, one hour or more of physical activity, and zero sugary drinks.
Participants learned essential healthy habits through fun, engaging activities such as soccer drills with Monterey Bay F.C. players, an art project with Montage Health Foundation, a team-building relay with Kids Eat Right, and a movement challenge with Aspire Health’s Don’t Feed the Diabetes Beast. The day concluded with a healthy lunch and group picture.
The event celebrated all organizations’ commitment to promoting healthy lifestyle habits and reducing risk for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in our community. Schools, teachers, and classrooms that have championed and participated in Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula’s Kids Eat Right program and Aspire Health’s Don’t Feed the Diabetes school education curriculum were also recognized and celebrated for their efforts in fostering a generation of healthy students across Monterey County.
Diabetes was listed as one of the top health issues in Monterey County in the 2022 health survey completed by the Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative. Over half of Monterey County residents have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, which is well above the national average. Developing healthy habits early can support healthier lifestyles and reduce diabetes risk for young people and their families.
Healthy Youth Field Day was made possible thanks to grant support from Montage Health Foundation and was developed by Aspire Health.
###
ABOUT MONTAGE HEALTH FOUNDATION
Montage Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization that inspires and coordinates philanthropic support for Montage Health. Montage Health Foundation supports the work of Montage Health through grant-making, volunteerism, and philanthropic partnerships with community members and like-minded organizations. Find more information about Montage Health Foundation at montagehealthfoundation.org.
ABOUT ASPIRE HEALTH
In collaboration with Montage Health and Salinas Valley Health, Aspire Health is committed to inspiring every individual to live life to the fullest. Our mission is to improve the health of all by bringing together people, providers, payers, and community partners to promote wellness and deliver the best possible care. We help people find solutions to overcome barriers to good health — financial, emotional behavioral, and clinical — so they can be more active, more independent, and more in control of their health. Learn more at aspirehealth.org.
ABOUT MONTEREY BAY F.C.
On February 1, 2021, the United Soccer League (USL) announced Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) joined the USL Championship for the 2022 season. The club plays on the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), privately investing millions to upgrade the existing facilities of what is now known as Cardinale Stadium to bring the venue’s capacity to 6,000. Monterey Bay F.C. is led by Owner and Chairman Ray Beshoff, who alongside a dedicated group of local investors, revealed the club’s official crest and colors in July 2021; a crest that was designed by and for the regional community. The club’s soccer operations are led by two-time MLS Coach of the Year Frank Yallop who serves as Sporting Director and Head Coach for the club, and Assistant Coach Ramiro Corrales, who is from Salinas. Learn more about Monterey Bay F.C. at montereybayfc.com.
