Nutrition for Parents
Did you know...this generation of young people is the first that is forecast to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents? 1 in 3 or 4 children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes at some point in their lifetime. The prevalence of overweight kids among 6 to 11 year olds has doubled in the past 20 years and tripled for teens.
What are we doing about it? Our district participates in the National School Lunch Program, following strict national and state nutrition guidelines, and provides nutritious lunches that contain one-third of the recommended dietary allowance of nutrients. Our district adheres to the recommended USDA dietary guidelines from MyPlate. This new Food Guide focuses on nutrition and fitness, because the two go hand in hand. It is designed to help kids and parents to not only understand the guidelines but to also provide practical advice on how to provide healthy and balanced diet. Recommendations are tailored for kids based on age, gender, and exercise habits. And, our district has also developed a comprehensive school wellness policy and upholds the USDA's Federally Mandated Nutritional Value requirements, which defines the nutrition guidelines for school meals.
For parents, this program offers a convenient method of providing a nutritionally balanced lunch at the lowest possible price. For schools, the program enhances children's learning abilities by contributing to their physical and mental well being. Studies have shown that children whose nutritional needs are met have fewer attendance and discipline problems and are more attentive in class.
Be a role model. Take an active role in encouraging your kids eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Encourage your kids to get at least 60 minutes of moderate exercise each day (30 minutes for adults). Family meals are a great time for parents to connect and share the details of the day. Plus, kids who eat regularly with their families are less likely to snack on unhealthful foods. Try to eat meals together as a family at least 3 times per week.
We hope you find the information throughout our nutrition site helpful.
Quick and Easy Recipes!
Nutrition Articles for Parents
SuperKids Nutrition Founder and Creator of the Super Crew®, Melissa Halas-Liang, MA RD CDE, and her winning team of nutrition experts provide us with informative articles focused on nutrition for our families. This team represents a diverse, nationally recognized group of Registered Dietitians and nutrition professionals who specialize in Childhood, School, and Family Nutrition. They provide nutrition resources, to help schools and communities to be their best.
How to Help Your Child Choose Foods Wisely
Rosanne Rust, MS, RD, LDN
Does Your Child Make the Grade?
Nicole Chase
Hey Parents… Eat Your Fruit and Veggies, Too!
By Kate Scarlata, RD, LDN
Encouraging Your Children To Be Physically Active
By: Rosanne Rust, MS, RD, LDN
Feed Your Family Fantastic Food for Less
Norma Stewart, RD, MA
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs)
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at:
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
PRESTAR DECLARACION SIN DISCRIMINACION
Conforme a las leyes federales y a los derechos civiles, reglamentos y políticas del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA), se prohíbe a esta institución discriminar por motivo de raza, color, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad y reprimir o tomar represalias por actividades realizadas en el pasado relacionadas con los derechos civiles. (No todos los principios de prohibición se aplican a todos los programas)
Las personas discapacitadas que requieran medios alternos para que se les comunique la información de un programa (por ejemplo, braille, letra agrandada, grabación de audio, lenguaje de señas estadounidense, etc.) deberán comunicarse con la agencia estatal o local responsable de administrar el programa o el TARGET Center del USDA al (202) 720-2600 (voz y TTY) o comunicarse con el USDA a través del Servicio Federal de Transmisión de Información al (800) 877-8339. La información del programa también está disponible en otros idiomas del inglés.
Para presentar una queja por alegada discriminación, complete el formulario de quejas por discriminación del programa del USDA, AD-3027, que podrá encontrar en línea en: http//www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/Spanish_Form_508_Compliant_6_8_12_0.pdf. o en cualquier oficina del USDA, o escriba una carta dirigida al USDA que incluya toda la información solicitada en el formulario. Para solicitar una copia del formulario de presentación de quejas, comuníquese al (866) 632-9992. Envié su formulario o carta completos al USDA por:
(1) Correo: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Correo electrónico: program.intake@usda.gov
Esta institución ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.