Elementary students in Austin took a step toward fitness at the Packer Dome Thursday morning, thanks to a Hy-Vee initiative that incorporates working healthy choices into everyday living.

Hy-Vee’s KidsFit is a four-year-old program that involves getting kids to make healthier choices that can be put toward a better life.

“This is a community-style event that helps kids make healthier choices,” said Hy-Vee KidsFit Director Daira Driftmier.

In the past four years the program has reached 260,000 kids in eight states. This is the first time for the event in Austin and is just another step in the form of outreach to get kids on a healthier track.

During the event kids were taught about the healthier choices they can make as well as taking part in partner activities and group activities that worked to get kids excited about health.

Through activities in the KidsFit program, kids can earn in-store deals that can be reached through the dietitians at each store.

“It’s really Hy-Vee helping make lives easier, healthier and happier,” Driftmier said.

Through her travels as KidsFit director, Driftmier has seen firsthand the positive effects the program is having on communities.

“It’s really fun to visit these communities,” she said. “I come back year after year and can see the improvements.”

Go to www.hy-veekidsfit.com for more ideas and information on the KidsFit program through Hy-Vee. There you’ll find education, online tutorials, fitness workbooks, dietitian blogs and more