Evan Turk, 9, is no ordinary student at River Bluff Elementary School. He's lucky to be here at all. Since he was born with two holes in his heart and his pulmonary artery and his aorta reversed, he's had four open-heart surgeries and a few assorted other operations. So Evan has more knowledge and appreciation than your average grade-school kid when it comes to heart-healthy habits.
Last year, his school had a charity food drive and, as the food was collected, Evan was very concerned about the amount of sugary cereals and other unhealthy foods that were being sent to the poor and homeless. This year, he vowed that there would be a lot more heart-healthy foods in that gift package for the needy. So he's been collecting bottles and cans at home, taking them to the recylclers and saving up the cash. He's got $150, and he's been buying canned vegetables by the dozens to put in the food drive this year.
Evan's father, Len, says his son is very health-conscious, but he's also a normal kid who eats his share of junk food. "I cant get him to eat healthy" but he wants something better for the homeless, according to his dad.
I think it's a great idea and good on Evan for being able to use the knowledge he's acquired from his own health crises to advocate for better care for others.
Recently I needed to go get a box of food for us at the Salvation army. I went back and volunteered (sp) there for two days to pay them back.
I packed up food boxes for other people coming in 3 hours a day. A box of food for a family of four consists of 1 lbs ground beef 1 lbs ground turkey meet. 2 cans of tomato sauce 2 cans of sphagetti sauce. 2 cans of mandarin oranges 2 cans of pears 4 cans of vegetables. 2 lbs of pinto beans 2 lbs of rice 1 lbs of wheat noodles. 2 loafes of bread was what I was told to put in but other people put in 1. If it was a box for 1-2 people change the turkey to a package of hot dogs. If it was 7 or more add 1 more of everything.
Depending on what had been donated there was also a desert. Cake pie or some bread like thing.
People can come and get a box of food every 2 months. I was very impressed with the people there. Salvation army does great work. Also it was relativly healthy food. Although when we are low on food heart healthy is not high on my list of concerns.
It is very common for poor families to end up with heart disease and other health issues because many affordable things that they can make which will go along way are unhealthy. Evan is a very bright young man and shows his concern for others which is often rare but Thanks to Evan for what is doing and to John for giving back.