NO ONE IS AFRAID OF HEALTHY HALLOWEEN TREATS

Kids Love Cabot Cheddar – a Delicious Alternative to Candy Cabot, VT – (October 16, 2007) – What’s scarier than ghosts and goblins and ghouls? For some parents it’s the “sugar shock” that results when their children gobble sugar-loaded candy by the fistful on Halloween. Moms don’t want to be wicked witches who spoil the trick-or-treat fun for their own little pirates and princesses, or to disappoint the E.T.s and zombies who come knocking at their doors – but what’s a parent who cares about diet and health (not to mention tooth cavities) to do this Halloween? Cabot Cheese offers a solution, an alternative to all that chocolate and sugar. Individually packaged 3/4-ounce bars of Cabot Cheddar are among the healthy options parents can offer kids that won’t leave trick-or-treaters feeling tricked. What’s more, kids love them. “Cheese is a great alternative for Halloween,” says Cabot Health spokesperson Sara Wing. “While candy and other sugary treats hold no real nutritional value, cheese is high in calcium and protein, two nutrients essential to a child’s growing body. And kids love cheese!” Individually wrapped 3/4-ounce bars of Cabot’s award-winning cheddar are available in Sharp Cheddar and 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar, and can be purchased by the box (100 count) from Cabot’s web site at www.shopcabot.com.Cabot Snack Packs, containing 8 units of the 3/4 ounce bars per bag, can also be purchased at grocery stores. School meals, bag lunches and on-the-go snacking can all benefit from the health and convenience of the smaller portions. In addition to offering healthier treats like cheese, pretzels, small boxes of cereal or granola bars, there are other successful, parent-approved Halloween strategies. Feeding children a nutritious and filling meal prior to trick-or-treating can help reduce Fright Night sugar intake. Offering cash-for-candy or buying back less nutritious treats can often be successful. Some parents also trade small toys for treats. According to a study in Yale’s Journal of Nutrition, Education and Behavior, children are just as likely to choose a small toy as candy when offered both on Halloween. Parents are still cautioned to cull out treats that are not packaged unless the giver is well-known to the family. “It is important for parents who encourage healthy eating habits to be consistent on holidays and special occasions,” said Wing. “While a special treat now and again is not going to harm anyone, it is important that kids not learn to associate celebrations, good behavior and special events as opportunities to gorge on sweets.” ABOUT CABOT CHEESE Cabot Creamery Cooperative has been in continuous operation in Vermont since 1919 and is best known as makers of “The World’s Best Cheddar,” as honored twice now at World Championship Cheese Contests. Cabot is owned by the dairy farm families of Agri-Mark, the Northeast’s premier dairy cooperative. For additional information on Cabot Creamery, you are invited to visit www.cabotcheese.coop.