As the school year begins, make sure children in your community have access to healthy food at school. Schools play a critical role in promoting the health and safety of young people and helping them establish lifelong healthy behavior patterns. What can parents, teachers, and community members do to ensure kids have access to healthy food this school year?
- Teach students about nutrition. Make sure kids know the benefits of healthy eating and the importance of making healthy food and beverage choices throughout the school day. Use the USDA MyPlate Kids' Place for resources to help kids make healthier choices.
- Talk with educators. Encourage your local school district to use CDC’s School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Act... The guidelines serve as the foundation for developing, implementing, and evaluating school-based healthy eating and physical activity strategies.
- Model a healthy lifestyle. Kids learn by example, so make sure you are eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats throughout the year.
The school environment is a great place to teach healthy eating habits. Have schools in your community made healthy changes to the meals offered? Is nutrition education incorporated into the curriculum? Let us know in the comments section.
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School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Act...