Madison ... Sherman Middle School is celebrating a month of health and wellness with a three-mile fun run/one-mile walk in the school's neighborhood Friday, March 30 at 1:00 PM. Before kicking off the race, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz will receive an award from Dr. Steven J. Merckx of the American Podiatric Medical Association in recognition of Madison's achievement as Prevention Magazine's #1 Walking City in America. The 385 student participants will enjoy post race Fox Water and refreshing fruit including kiwis and locally grown apples from Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch. Sherman Middle School is located at 1610 Ruskin Street in Madison.

The event marks the end of Health and Wellness Month, when students have been incorporating the concepts into activities across the curriculum. Activities included a "Snack Attack" and a demonstration stressing seat belt safety. Students are also logging physical activity and food choices.

"Innovative programming like Sherman Health and Wellness Month is what Fit City Madison is all about," said Mayor Cieslewicz. "We are proud to support initiatives that encourage kids to get out there and get moving."

A USDA grant enables the school to provide all students with a weekly fruit or vegetable snack. Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch, Madison's Farm to School Project, is facilitating the purchase of locally grown produce. Teachers use additional funds for fruits and veggies in learning activities in many subjects. Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch is a community program working to increase the amount of local fruits and vegetables available to Madison school students.

Visit for other fitness and health information visit the website noted above.

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