Health Fair Offers Free Produce, Zumba Classes for School Bus Staff

SAN ANTONIO — Nutrition and fitness were focal points of an event held for school transportation staff here last week.

San Antonio Independent School District (ISD) worked with health insurance provider Aetna to hold the two-day health fair — the first of its kind for the district’s transportation department.

As part of the event, the San Antonio Food Bank rolled in with its “Mobile Mercado,” a grocery store and demonstration kitchen on wheels. San Antonio ISD transportation staff stepped aboard for samples, nutrition education, and diabetic-friendly recipes.

“Our employees received free locally grown fruits and vegetables and watched professional chefs and nutritionists on board demonstrating how to make tasty meals with the healthy ingredients found on the truck,” said Nathan Graf, San Antonio ISD’s senior executive director of transportation and vehicle maintenance.

Also during the health fair, JTA Wellness provided educational sessions on wellness goals, managing chronic diseases, food allergies, and vitamin/mineral deficiencies.

Attendees could also take part in Zumba classes and relieve stress in a massage chair.

More than 200 school bus drivers, monitors, mechanics, and support staff attended the health fair. Graf said that the event was a hit with employees, and it aligned with San Antonio ISD’s healthy initiative program.