Healthy lunches and quality exercises for the 42 children, ages 2 to 5, were served up at the Greater Marco Family YMCA National Preschool Fitness Day.

They served pizza and items from all food groups, including vegetables and fruit.

Then the children participated in fun exercises that the YMCA staff hopes began a life lesson into a healthy lifestyle.

Jennifer Bristow, health, fitness and aquatics director, said “The day was to get the youngsters started on the path to a healthy life.”

With the growing concern over childhood obesity, diabetes and an early predisposition to heart disease, Bristow stressed the importance of following healthy habits of regular exercise and sound eating in our youngest population.

Volunteers Barbara Mayer, Richard Cameron and Colleen Mescaut helped serve the lunches and assisted staff in the exercise program.