It was all about healthy eating habits Monday in Westbrook, especially children’s.

Officially known as the OASIS CATCH Healthy Habits Day in Westbrook, the day celebrated a Southern Maine Agency on Aging program where volunteers 50 and older work with children after-school and during summer break to promote nutrition and physical activity. CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) is a program of the national OASIS Institute.

At last week’s City Council meeting, Westbrook Mayor Colleen Hilton declared Monday, April 13, as the official day, as well as thanking a group of volunteers for their service in the community.

The proclamation from Hilton coincides with National Volunteer Week, which is April 12-18.

The Southern Maine Agency on Aging healthy habits program is funded by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. According to a press release about Westbrook’s proclamation, teams of volunteers 50 and over work with children in after-school and summer programs for up to 25 weeks. Each one-hour session includes at least 30 minutes of fun, active games, hands-on nutrition lessons and a healthy snack.

As part of the proclamation, Hilton read statistics about obesity in the region, including that 13 percent of school-aged children are considered obese, and 62 percent of adults are considered obese in Cumberland County.

“It’s a model program that proves that anyone at any age can improve their health through good nutrition, increased physical activity and wellness education,” she said.

There are two CATCH Healthy Habits teams based in the Westbrook Community Center.

“I’ve had the good fortune myself to watch the program in action at the community center,” Hilton said. “It’s a wonderful program that does terrific work here in our community.”

“I want to thank you for this honor,” said volunteer Laurie Lin. “We enjoy our role in helping the youngsters learn the importance of eating healthy and physical activity for their long-term health. We really have a good time with the kids.”

According to the press release, more than 500 children and 200 adults age 50 and older in the region will have benefitted from the program and their adult wellness workshops by mid-2015. The program is offered in 21 cities across 17 states in partnership with more than 300 elementary schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs and more.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging volunteers, from left, Priscilla Greene and Patricia McDonald hand out information and toy vegetables to Westbrook city coucilors last week. Courtesy photo