
Beverly Hunter, Greenville program manager for the ABC Program of the S.C. Department of Social Services, helps children fill their toy shopping basket with plastic fruits and vegetables.
The S.C. Program for Infant/Toddler Care was represented as a partner in the launch of a new initiative that will help child care centers in the state to buy items that will help fight childhood obesity.
The ABC Grow Healthy program was announced Feb. 13 at a press conference at La Petite Academy on Clemson Road in Columbia. The voluntary program encourages physical activity and healthy food choices for young children. Representatives from several state agencies and child care organizations participated in the event.
For details on ABC Grow Healthy, go to http://abcqualitycare.org/pages/grow_healthy.

Janelle Beamer, left, director of public information and events for the South Carolina Program for Infant/Toddler Care, and Kathie Boling, assistant director of the S.C. Child Care Resource and Referral Network, await the announcement of the new ABC Grow Healthy program at a press conference Feb. 13.

Marilyn Matheus, S.C. Department of Social Services spokesperson, welcomes guests at the ABC Grow Healthy press conference at La Petite Academy on Clemson Road in Columbia.

Lillian Koller, director of the S.C. Department of Social Services, discusses the need to establish healthy habits for young children.

Leigh Bolick, director of Child Care Services for the S.C. Department of Social Services, expresses her support of the new ABC Grow Healthy program.

Catherine Templeton, director of S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, cites the importance of healthy choices for young children.

Vicki Hoover, board member of the S.C. Child Care Association, addresses the crowd at the ABC Grow Healthy press conference.

Tricia Sheldon, representative of La Petite Academy, brings a child care facility perspective to the announcement of the new ABC Grow Healthy program.