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Gimme Five: Stacy Goldberg

 

Stacy Goldberg has worked with parents since 2007 to help them navigate nutrition challenges. Stacy also is the CEO and Founder of Savorfull, which aims to change the food culture at large venues in America.

What inspired you to start working on childhood obesity?

In 2007, I was recruited by a local pediatric practice in Detroit that was overwhelmed with the number of children who were obese. Even with access to insurance, they did not have the nutrition education necessary to make informed choices. The parents also had a lack of knowledge, regardless of educational background, race and economic status. I set up an office in their practice and began to work with the families facing nutrition challenges one at a time.

How are you helping to reverse childhood obesity?

My mission at Savorfull is to search the globe for healthier “free from” food choices that are lower in sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and high fructose corn syrup to provide to large venues such as movie theaters, stadiums, arenas, vending machines, fitness centers and schools to make tasty, healthful choices easily available for children. I hear every day from kids that “healthy foods taste like cardboard.” I try my best to find foods that kids can enjoy, without sacrificing taste. We also cater to the allergy free population so the children who are overweight, diabetic and have food allergies/intolerances can enjoy their healthy alternatives.

What’s your biggest accomplishment so far in helping reduce childhood obesity?

Launching my company Savorfull has been one of the biggest accomplishments to date. Having this reach, we can spread our word, education and products into communities nationwide to reduce this public health epidemic. Creating Savorfull in the state of Michigan, specifically in the city of Detroit, was very important to me, as we have an overwhelming population of obese children.

Who is your role model in your work?

My role model as it relates to childhood obesity is Danialle Karmanos.

Danialle is the founder of DKWIO—Danialle Karmanos’ Work It Out Program. Danialle’s mission, in partnership with the Detroit Medical Center Children’s Hospital of Michigan, is to promote optimum health in mind, body and spirit through a comprehensive yoga-based approach that reduces anxiety, prevents childhood obesity and increases self-esteem. I have been fortunate enough to work with Danialle in the past on the nutrition curriculum and education for this important program in the city of Detroit. Exposing children in the city to yoga, fresh foods and meditation is a gift for both the children and the providers.

What healthy snacks did you enjoy growing up?

When I was a child, my favorite healthy snacks were apples and popcorn—still two of my high fiber favorites! I was a tennis player (and still am) and remember clearly making the switch to whole-wheat pastas after my match as an adolescent!

Click here to connect with Stacy Goldberg.

Each week, our own Zach Brooks speaks with a Leader to get a quick look at why he or she loves working to create healthy environments for kids. Want to take part? Visit Zach’s profile and contact him.