On Wednesday, August 4, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer was joined at Union Settlement by his super friends, the Super Sprowtz, to teach over 200 children about the healthy eating, fitness, and sustainability. Standing with the Borough President were Erica Eggplant, Colby Carrot, Zach Zucchini, Brian Broccoli and Suzy Sweetpea, whose superpowers come from their nutritional composition.

Before the show began, the Borough President gave the kids a few words of advice. “I hope you know that what you put in your bodies is very important. The foods you choose can make you smarter like Erica Eggplant or stronger like Brian Broccoli. They can help you feel better, run faster and play longer,” said the Borough President.

“They can also be good for your families and neighbors. So remember to take what you learn today and share it with your brothers and sisters, your friends and classmates to make sure we all are happy and healthy,” the Borough President concluded.

Groups of children from The Children Aid Society, East Harlem Asthma Center, SCAN, Union Settlement and Yorkville Common Pantry were all so excited to see the story of the Super Sprowtz quest to defeat Pompous Pollution and save the East Harlem from his evil henchman, Greasy.  In the end, the Super Sprowtz were victorious in defeating Pompous Pollution, and brought healthy eating and exercise to the children of East Harlem.

The partnership with the Manhattan Borough President's Office and Super Sprowtz is part of an expansion of the Go Green Youthbucks Program to incorporate a larger educational component.

After the performance, a group of fifty children from the Children Aid Society participated in the Borough President's Youth Bucks Program by visiting the Harvest Home-Union Settlement Market, located at 104th Street and 3rd Avenue. These children were given a $2 Youth Buck in order to buy fruits and vegetables, inspired by their favorite Super Sprowtz. A Youth Buck is a coupon provided by the Manhattan Borough President’s Office to youth at no cost and can be used to purchase locally grown food during field trips. Since its inception, over 2,500 school aged children from East Harlem have participated in the Youth Bucks Program. 

Youth Bucks and Super Sprowtz will also take on Washington Heights and Inwood this fall. 

Read more about the event in coverage from El Diario and NY Metro Parent.