Norwalk Hospital Foundation Receives Donation from Bankwell

Photo left to right: Brian Porter, Director, Corporate Partnerships, Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN); Amanda Loveless, Nutrition Supervisor, Norwalk Hospital; David Dineen, EVP and Head of Community Banking at Bankwell; and Seamus Collins, V.P. Development, WCHN

The Norwalk Hospital Foundation received a $5,000 donation from Bankwell to support Healthier Norwalk Kids, an innovative, school-based program that teaches children the importance of exercising and eating healthy foods.

Healthier Norwalk Kids, formerly known as Project L.E.A.N., was created in 2010. The program was designed to improve the overall health of Norwalk students by teaching them lifelong habits of healthy eating and regular exercise. Registered dietitians from Norwalk Hospital teach students in Jefferson, Kendall, Tracey, Marvin, Brookside and Silvermine elementary schools. Success of Healthier Norwalk Kids is measured by increased knowledge and choices of healthy foods and physical activity among program participants,. Additional benefits include improved attitudes and beliefs surrounding living a healthy lifestyle, and improved behaviors such as increased physical activity and decreased screen time.

Notes Brian Porter, Director, Corporate Partnerships, WCHN, “We are grateful for Bankwell’s support of Healthier Norwalk Kids which helps to address the health and nutrition needs of approximately 1,000 elementary school children in Norwalk.“

“Bankwell is proud to support Norwalk Hospital and its mission to teach children about the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices,” said David Dineen, Bankwell EVP and Head of Community Banking. “Through the Healthier Norwalk Kids program, children, their families and communities benefit from an integrated education program focused on healthier living.”

Bankwell is a community bank that serves the banking needs of residents and businesses throughout Connecticut. The bank’s mission is to give back to the communities it serves. More about Bankwell can be found at mybankwell.com.