Sesame Street Goes Healthy

The last few years have been a whirlwind for the Cookie Monster. From having to dispel tabloid rumors about his name being changed to the "Vegetable Monster," to his recent run in the limelight, which centered on an aggressive campaign to host Saturday Night Live.

Although the cookie monster will not be changing the name on his birth certificate, the Sesame Street executives are trying to do their part when it comes to promoting healthy eating, with a specific aim to nourish those who don't meet basic nutritional needs.

Jeanette Betancourt, vice president of content design for the education, research and outreach department of Sesame Workshop, said:We found there were really very few resources engaging young children and helping them engage not only in healthy habits but also in knowing that as a family they're not alone in this.

The program provides families with an educational kit, including;

A video featuring four new Muppets, the "Super foods" - Banana, cheese, whole-grain roll and broccoli. Elmo and friends, including real families, as they try new foods, learn about healthy snacks and discover the importance of sharing a meal together.

The superfoods (although not official Sesame Street cast members) sing and dance, encouraging children to try new healthy foods. The 400,000 kits will be distributed to lower income families and segments will air on the show this month (December 2010). You can watch the video segments here.

While this latest campaign is more focal and extensive, Sesame Street and specifically the oft-criticized cookie glutton have actually been promoting healthier eating for a while. To wit, in 1987, the Cookie Monster rapped about healthy food.

More recently, "Hoots" the owl waxed poetic to the Cookie Monster about cookies being a "sometimes food".

The burning question remains, however, will campaigns like this have a noticeable impact on the foods children eat?

Celebrities Teens and Kids cartoons sesame street 5 Comments Camp Shane on 8 Dec 2010

This is definitely a step in the right direction for children. Children start out watching television at such a young age and are so influenced by the media. This is why the advertising of junk-food is so influential on what kids want. A program such as this one will teach children more about proper nutrition and healthy food. At Camp Shane weight loss camp for children (www.campshane.com) and Shane Diet Resorts weight loss program for adults (www.shanedietresorts.com), nutrition is a top priority because we know how effective it can be on the overall healthy lifestyle. The younger you can begin this healthy lifestyle and maintain it, the better!

Reply jack9black on 8 Dec 2010

wow nice

Reply Duane on 8 Dec 2010

This is not going to make one bit of difference. For starters, it comes down to the parents plain and simple. If they don't provide healthy foods and keep the junk out of the home, then its all for not.

Second, junk food and fast food advertising far outweighs the little bit of media attention healthy alternatives get so its a losing battle. Kids can watch a few minutes of healthy Sesame Street characters going on about carrots and broccoli but then will spend the rest of the day being bombarded with ads for McDonalds, Pizza Hut, sugar laden cereals, chips, candy, etc.

Third, many of us grew up watching Sesame Street and I'm sure the Cookie Monster's cookie addiction didn't turn us into cookie craving freaks. Just more hyperbole.

Bottom line, focus on the parents. They're the ones who control the food.

Reply Melanie Thomassian R.D. on 8 Dec 2010

Duane, I have to agree with you! While I'm happy to see healthy eating getting a bit of positive coverage, I also watched Sesame Street as a child, and the Cookie Monster is certainly not to blame for my own love of cookies!!

Reply Laura on 8 Dec 2010

Cheese? A super food? It may be dairy but it's SUPER high in calories! No wonder so many Americans are overweight...

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