Nutrition

As teachers, you are very influencial in a childs life.  Our children need positive messages from you regarding their food choices. 

Did you know that:

• The number of overweight children has nearly doubled in the last decade. One out of four children is overweight or at risk for becoming overweight.

• Sixty-one percent of overweight children ages 5 to 10 have one or more heart disease risk factors.

• Type II diabetes, once considered an adult disease, is becoming more common in overweight children.

Including proper nutrition in your curriculum will help your students not only by teaching them important lessons about their health but will help them learn well in school.  Use these resouces to create this "win-win" environment in your school!

The Kentucky Department of Education, Division of Nutrition and Health Services has loads of information about  school nutrition programs and policies.  Their website provides resources for teachers including lesson plans and links to more nutrition information targeting school age children.  There are also plenty of resources for students and parents! 

At Nutrition Explorations you will find resources specifically for educators to help your students explore the world of nutrition and learn about making healthy food choices.  You will find information for your classroom, help on implementing school wellness programs, and a teacher idea exchange!

Produce for Better Health Foundation has resources on increasing fruits and vegetable intake specifically for the classroom.  You will find activities for kids as well as curriculum for "There's a Rainbow on My Plate".