'Produce Posse' shares nutrition tips with kids at Central DuPage Hospital

There were a few unusual creatures roaming the hallways Wednesday at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.

A large carrot. A pineapple. Even an avocado.

Inside the costumes were six registered dietitians at the hospital, who call themselves the Produce Posse. They visited sick children to teach them about nutrition.

Laura Yudys, a clinical nutrition manager, dressed as a pineapple. She came up with the idea of dressing as fruits and vegetables to promote National Nutrition Month.

“We thought it would be a fun way to educate people as much as we can on good eating habits,” Yudys said.

Registered Dietitian Beth Gordon donned a carrot costume and made her way room to room with nutritional information.

The kids also were able to play a trivia game and pick out a small produce stress ball. A goody bag with puzzles and games was available to help brighten their day.

“We're sharing nutrition information with kids in pediatrics who are sick and maybe need some fun or excitement in their day,” Gordon said. “We're just trying to lighten their day up and our goal is to make them smile.”