By: Katie Burns  Date: 10/6/09

 On Saturday, October 03, 2009, the IFIC Fit Team joined over 7,000 other people at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. to participate in the 23rd Annual AIDS Walk Washington.  The event, which was produced by the Whitman-Walker Clinic, raised nearly $800,000 that will benefit the Clinic.

The weather was gorgeous for the 5K run/walk around downtown Washington DC, and the IFIC Fit Team enjoyed getting to spend time together outside the office walls, getting some exercise, and helping the Washington D.C. community.  Winifere Jenkins-Ford, an IFIC Fit Team member says, “What a great way to start the day – for a good cause, spending personal time getting to know my co-workers and last but not least, for a healthier me!”

 Because the International Food Information Council Foundation has a focus on food safety, nutrition and health, the AIDS Walk Washington provided an opportunity for the IFIC Fit Team to “practice what we preach” by getting outside and being active.  The walk also provided us with a “teachable moment” because the risk of foodborne illness may be greater for children and the elderly, as well as those with a weakened immune system, such as people living with HIV/AIDS.  It is important for these populations to be diligent when it comes to food safety by following the four basic food safety practices: clean, separate, cook, and chill.  For more info on proper food safety practices at home, check out our new video done in partnership with the USDA.