Afterschool programs provide an opportunity to engage students in healthy projects and activities such as lessons, fundraisers, school gardens, and physical activity. Below are resources and ideas for program leaders to develop new programming or incorporate new healthy initiatives into existing programming.
Health Based Lessons for Students
Eat It Up: Afterschool Program Resources
Afterschool hours can provide an opportunity to work with young people in a more informal setting than during the school day… READ MORE
Designed to help students answer the question, “What should I eat to be healthy?” the In Defense of Food Curriculum (IDOF) provides critical tools and lessons for healthier eating… READ MORE
Hands On: Real World Lessons in Food Safety for Middle School Students in School and 4-H (VIDEO)
“Hands On” teaches middle school students key food safety concepts while meeting Common Core Standards… READ MORE
Food Day Curriculum: Science Lessons for Healthier Students and Communities
Each year on October 24th, Food Day is celebrated nationwide with a goal of helping people learn to “eat real.” READ MORE
Choose Health: Food, Fun, and Fitness (CHFFF) and Choose Health Action Teens (CHAT): Research-Based Resources for Youth Educators
Food and Nutrition Education in Communities programs include youth-focused healthy eating and active living curricula … READ MORE
Taking Dairy lessons into the Classroom
Many students think milk comes from the grocery store, they don’t realize the journey it travels before it gets there… READ MORE
Healthy Fundraising Initiatives
Popular Ideas for Student Nutrition Action Committee Events and Fundraisers
Spread healthy nutrition messages by hosting or participating in events that can inspire your school community to make more nutritious choices… READ MORE
Healthy Fundraising
Promoting healthy behaviors outside of the classroom is a natural way to encourage hands-on learning… READ MORE
Afterschool Activities & Programs
After School Garden Clubs: Planting Seeds for Success
Many students participate in after school activities to extend their learning opportunities and spend more time with friends during the day… READ MORE
“I’ve Never Tried That Before:” The Story Behind One Afterschool Garden
“I’ve never tried that before,” said Jane* before she ate a fresh bell pepper from the Cambridge 4-H Afterschool garden located in Cocoa, Florida.
Using School Gardens to Promote Children’s Physical Activity and Fitness
School gardens are a wonderful place to educate and support students to use healthy eating practices. In addition, they can also promote physical activity and exercise… READ MORE
Shared Use Agreements: Breaking Down Barriers to Child Physical Activity
Several school districts make maximum use out of public space and money by using shared use agreements… READ MORE
Mooga: Cow Inspired Yoga
The Dairy Council of Florida has developed Mooga, cow inspired yoga, as an interactive activity that helps strengthen bones and teach about the health benefits of dairy in the diet… READ MORE
Resources for Afterschool Program Leaders
The Cornell Healthy After-School Environment (CHASE) Self-Assessment Tool: Encouraging Supportive Food and Activity Environments
The CHASE self-assessment tool is designed to help after-school staff examine their current support of healthy eating and active play… READ MORE