On February 23, elementary and middle school students from across Tampa Bay celebrated their completion of the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program at the 2025 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon. Over 125 young participants cheered on runners along Bayshore Boulevard before running the final two miles of the race themselves. This year, the program added a new focus: nutrition education.
The initiative was led by Nicole Misner, a clinical dietitian with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Misner’s goal was to teach young runners about healthy eating habits to complement their physical training. Her efforts were supported by an 18-month grant from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN). The grant is part of the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities, a national campaign to improve childhood nutrition and public health.
Misner’s project, called ANCHOR (Advancing Nutrition and Community Health through Opportunities and Resources), partnered with the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association, which runs the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program. Together, they introduced custom nutrition lessons into the program.
Now in its 25th year, Pepperjack’s helps children build healthy habits through structured fitness training in a safe environment. Coaches from the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department guide students through an eight-week program each January and February. Participants exercise, engage in physical activities, and learn life skills. Each student receives a free pair of Asics running shoes and, at the end of the program, is transported to the Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon to run the final two miles.
Misner saw an opportunity to enhance the program by adding a nutrition component. She applied for the NASPGHAN grant and collaborated with Susan Harmeling, executive director of the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association, and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to make it happen.
“The Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program has been doing phenomenal work in Tampa,” Misner said. “They provide kids with sneakers, safe spaces, and coaches to help them develop lifelong healthy habits. We were thrilled to receive the grant and integrate nutrition lessons into the program this year.”
With the grant, Misner and her team created interactive nutrition lessons. They trained City of Tampa coaches and provided nutrition boxes filled with lesson plans, materials, and hands-on activities. Topics included hydration, the benefits of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy snacks, and reducing sugary drinks. Tampa General Muma Children’s Hospital donated reusable water bottles for the hydration lesson, and parents received resources to encourage healthy eating at home.
“Physical activity and good nutrition are essential for children’s health,” Misner explained. “Our lessons are designed to be fun and interactive. We also provided families with budget-friendly recipes and information about local food resources to address food access issues.”
This year, 292 children participated in the enhanced Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program across 22 sites. The program culminated on February 23, when students, coaches, and volunteers celebrated by running the final stretch of the Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon, cheered on by the Tampa community.
Looking ahead, Misner is excited to build on this year’s success. Her project has a second year of funding, and she hopes nutrition education will become a permanent part of Pepperjack’s.
“This year was a great success,” Misner said. “We’re excited to keep refining the lessons so they can become a sustainable part of the program for years to come.”
