When students enter the lunch line, they can be overwhelmed with choices and aromas and make impulsive selections in the “heat of the moment.” This is referred to as hot-state decision making (1). While in a hot-state, students are more …
5 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
There are many ways that a limited food budget can include items that are both delicious and nutritious. Here are five tips that low-income families and adults can use to help save money while eating a variety of healthy foods.…
As a Parent, How Can You Help With A School Health Fair?
Overall health is very important to many parents. Most want what’s best for their child, and it all starts with health! Many schools already have health fairs or wellness nights as part of their outreach to families, but if you …
Foodie U: Mindful Eating for Families
Foodie U: Mindful Eating for Families was developed as part of the Foodie U project at California State University, Chico. Mindful eating refers to paying attention to the present moment when choosing, preparing, and eating food. Mindful eating can strengthen …
Apples vs. Chips: Help Kids Make Healthy A La Carte Choices at Lunch
Close your eyes and picture school lunch…
Most likely the image that appeared in your mind is of a compartment tray holding an entrée, fruit and/or vegetable sides, and a carton of milk. What you’re picturing is a typical meal …
Kids Who See Their Veggies See a Brighter Future
When it comes to eating vegetables, sometimes kids don’t budge. Parents dread seeing their children’s disgusted facial expressions in the presence of leafy greens and root vegetables, and it is often difficult to determine a sustainable solution.
One option is …
Did You Know? Lesser Known Facts About School Meals
Quantity, Quality, & Appeal – A Balancing Act
Historically, school food has gotten a bad rap for being unappetizing and even having poor nutritional value. If you haven’t been in a school cafeteria recently though, you may be surprised…
School
…Food Marketing and Children: Threat or Opportunity for Schools?
Did you know that $1.8 billion dollars is spent on marketing foods to school-aged youth?1 Or that the average child sees 12-16 advertisements per day promoting food products high in saturated fat, sugar, or sodium?1
These statistics have …
Shared Use Agreements: Breaking Down Barriers to Child Physical Activity
The childhood obesity epidemic has captured the attention of several school districts across the country. Recently, limited recess time and access to exercise facilities have been deemed one of the culprits of this issue. Parents and faculty members have become …
2015 Dietary Guidelines and What they Mean for Schools
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide science-based recommendations that are used in the development of federal nutrition policies and programs, including the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. The first guidelines were published in 1980 and are reviewed and …