Mayor, Author Teach Nutrition With a Donut Hat

Students at Edgewood Highlands got a chance lean about National Nutrition Month, meet a local author and watch Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung wear a hat made out of donuts yesterday.

Joy Feldman, author of "Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?" 

In the book, Matt and Maddie Blossom tell their mother that they want to eat the junk foods, or "ooey gooey" foods that some of their friends get to eat. Their mother doesn't let them eat donuts, candy, fast food or drink soda, because "you are what you eat" she tells them.

To build a strong building, you need the right materials. To build a strong body, you need the right materials too.

To teach Matt and Maddie a lesson, their mother leads them to the forbidden aisles of the supermarket. She told them they could have anything they wanted.

"Anything?" they asked.

"Anything."

They loaded up on treats, snacks and lots of ooey goey things.

At home, they gorge on those forbidden snacks. It all seems so enjoyable, until later that night, in bed, when they begin to suffer from upset stomachs and a strange feeling descends upon them.

We won't give away any more other than to say that what happens next is a bit frightening, with Maddie and Matts' hair getting curlier and heavier.

Remember, "you are what you eat."

Eight RI mayors, Mayors Avedisian, Diossa, Fontaine, Fung, Grebien, Lombardi, Polisena, and Tavares, will be guest readers in their city’s schools. Dr. Michael Fine, Director of the RI Dept. of Health, NBC10’s reporter Molly O’Brien, State Capitol TV Host Dave Barber, and Rep. Frank Ferri (Warwick), parents, faculty and others will participate.

Corporate sponsors are also joining to provide support, including books, healthy snacks and other support.  Participating are Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, Boys & Girls Club of East Providence, Champion Juicers, Dr. Day Care, East Side Marketplace, Sodexo, United HealthCare, United Natural Foods (UNFI), and Whole Foods Market.

Feldman, a nutritional consultant, got her start in the nutritional field about 20 years ago when she was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease. Medication didn't seem to help. What did was a change in her diet.

A doctor who practiced nutrition took hair samples for testing. That, along with the sight of children eating donuts and candy at 7 a.m. in an airport one morning, combined in her mind to create the concept behind "Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?"

Feldman's mission is to encourage families to take back their kitchens and make eating healthy foods a priority.

She already has written a cookbook, "Joyful Cooking," and has plans for more, including a kids cookbook.

“In addition to calling attention to the ever-increasing childhood obesity epidemic, the statewide read demonstrates that are young people can be empowered to make healthier food choices for themselves, when they can," Feldman said. "I literally started to recruit schools one at a time, and I am exhilarated at the response, as well as grateful for seven Rhode Island mayors and so many others taking the time to be with the children, sponsor the program, and create an event which can have a lasting impact as the entire country recognizes National Nutrition Month."

You can find out more information about Feldman's work at www.joyfeldman.com.

"Is Your Hair Made of Donuts" includes a downloadable teacher's guide atwww.isyourhairmadeofdonuts.com.