Bristol Herald Courier
By Amy Hunter
Published: April 14, 2009
With alarming statistics regarding the health of the nation’s children – and the obesity epidemic at the root of those problems – some folks here have decided to take action.
The Southeast Culinary and Hospitality College of Bristol, Va., announced the formation of the Community Hospitality Outreach Program, or CHOP, on Monday. The program is designed to help fight childhood obesity, aid nutrition, assist local citizens in job training and offer hunger programs, said Chef Richard Erskine in a written statement.
CHOP will work to encourage more local production of healthy food by local farmers and partner with local extension agents to market healthy products in low-income neighborhoods. The program also will start a summer food program and teach after-school classes.