Teresita Nieves

In Nieves' "Healthy Eaters" nutritional project, students will begin to address the prevalence of overweight students within the inner city schools. Both English and Spanish speaking first-graders will read and listen to literature about healthy foods. They will also help prepare nutritional recipes with participating parents and publish recipes in an individual cookbook. This cookbook presents an opportunity for Hispanic students to incorporate their culture into the recipes by using their native Spanish language. The "Healthy Eaters" program will also involve parents in a workshop with a Hartford Hospital nutritionist discussing healthy lifestyle choices. Students will see the benefits of making healthy eating choices early in life and how important it is to keep family involved as well. Nieves plans to reach out to notable figures, including Hartford mayor Eddie Perez and former University of Connecticut basketball player Rebecca Lobo, to discuss the benefits of eating healthy. Nieves is a resident of Wethersfield.