"Kids Eat Miami" Focuses On Childhood Obesity, Nutrition

MIAMI (CBS4) -- A unique event which supports efforts to prevent childhood obesity and promote good nutrition is set to take place this weekend. Kids Eat Miami is Saturday, April 9th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jungle Island.

Kids Eat Miami features chefs from all across South Florida who will show kids and parents nutritional alternatives for the kitchen. It will also give kids an opportunity to learn more about healthy cooking.

One of the chefs that will be on hand is Rachael Richardson, a culinary nutritionist for students at Florida International University's Hospitality Management department and Common Threads. Common Threads teaches kids how to cook healthy cuisine with an emphasis on world culture.

"Adults are sick right now, kids are getting sick and so we are really looking at this a preventative action as wellness action for the whole family to integrate nutrition into our lives," said Richardson.

Leadership Miami is also working with Kids Eat Miami which will benefit Common Threads.

"To be honest with you, I've even learned a lot. I've learned to cook dishes that I never knew how to cook before and its amazing watching these 9 and 10 year-olds chopping away cooking stuff and the food has always been fantastic," said Ozzie Fortun of Leadership Miami.

Richardson says she's touched by families who appreciate healthy cooking.

"I've bumped into parents at the grocery store who told me their kids have been through my classes and now they're making breakfast for the entire family," said Richardson.

Tickets for Kids Eat Miami must be purchased in advance of Saturday's event. Tickets are $25 which allows you access to all of the fun and entertainment inside Jungle Island.

Just go to www.kidseatmiami.com to purchase your tickets.