In a world where fast food and sugary snacks often dominate, fostering healthy eating habits in children is more important than ever. This collection of resources offers innovative ways for parents, educators, and childcare providers to introduce nutritious foods and healthy lifestyle choices to kids. From creative snack ideas to comprehensive educational programs, these materials are designed to engage young minds and inspire lifelong habits that promote heart health and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for fun activities, delicious recipes, or structured curricula, these resources provide valuable tools to help children learn about nutrition in an enjoyable and impactful way.
Healthy Snacks for Kids
Bristol Publishing Enterprises, Inc. ©1996 Penny Warner
This engaging book revitalizes snack and lunch times, providing solutions for cranky kids who need nourishment fast. Warner shares creative ways to sneak nutrition into beloved meals, like adding grated carrots to peanut butter or blending ground spinach into turkey burgers. She also suggests using fun “props” like colorful bowls and straws to make mealtime more exciting and encourage kids to embrace healthy eating. Each recipe is accompanied by a visual representation of the food pyramid, highlighting the emphasized food groups.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Parents
FORMAT: 171-page Book
Heart Power (Pre K – 1 Spanish)
American Heart Association ©1996
This comprehensive supplemental program features a variety of components that can be used flexibly to inspire children to learn, live, and love the healthy behaviors that support heart health now and for the future.
AUDIENCE: Pre K – 1st Grade Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary
FORMAT: Teacher Resource Book, Activity Cards in Spanish, Big Book in Spanish, Audiocassette in Spanish
Heart Power (K-2)
American Heart Association ©1996
This robust supplemental program includes multiple resources designed to motivate children to adopt heart-healthy behaviors for a lifetime.
AUDIENCE: K – 2nd Grade
FORMAT: Teacher Resource Book, Student Books, Big Book, Video
Heart Power (3-5)
American Heart Association ©1996
This comprehensive supplemental program offers various resources to engage students in learning about and embracing heart-healthy habits for life.
AUDIENCE: 3rd – 5th Grade
FORMAT: Teacher Resource Book, Full-Color Student Book, Video, Posters
Heart Power (6-8)
American Heart Association ©1996
This extensive supplemental program provides a range of materials to motivate students in understanding and adopting behaviors that promote heart health for a lifetime.
AUDIENCE: 6th – 8th Grade
FORMAT: Teacher Resource Book, Student Books, Videos (2), Posters
Hearty Heart And Friends
Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health ©1995 CATCH
This engaging 15-session curriculum is designed for third graders and focuses on promoting healthy eating habits. Each session lasts about 40 minutes and includes nine episodes of “The Adventures of Hearty Heart & His Friends” on video, featuring role models like Hearty Heart and Dynamite Diet. To foster family involvement, five activity booklets titled “Hearty Heart Home Team” are also provided for homework.
AUDIENCE: 3rd Grade Health Instructors
FORMAT: 15-Session Curriculum, 9-Episode Video (Total 60 minutes)
HomePlate
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service ©1994
HomePlate is designed for parents and children aged 5-8. The kit includes activities for kids, cooking projects for parents and children, a newsletter for parents, and a fun, fast-paced video for kids styled after Nickelodeon programming. The video utilizes the Food Guide Pyramid to help children make informed food choices, and the materials can be used collaboratively by parents and children or in other educational settings.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Elementary Parents
FORMAT: 26-Minute Video, Activities
How My Parents Learned To Eat
Houghton Mifflin Company ©1984 Ina R. Friedman
This delightful story follows an American sailor and a young Japanese woman as they secretly try to learn each other’s culinary customs. The book features vibrant full-color illustrations throughout, making it an engaging read for young audiences.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 30-page Book
How to Teach Nutrition to Kids: An Integrated Approach to Nutrition Education for Children Ages 6-10
24 Carrot Press ©1995 Connie Liakos Evers
This resource offers a wealth of activities designed to teach children basic nutrition principles. Nutrition concepts are integrated into various subjects, including language arts, math, science, social studies, performing arts, and physical education. The book provides innovative ways to make the Food Guide Pyramid and food labels relatable for children. It also includes suggestions for transforming the school cafeteria into a hands-on nutrition learning environment.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students, Parents, Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Nutritionists
FORMAT: 189-page Book
How to Teach Nutrition to Kids: Leader/Activity Guide
24 Carrot Press ©1998 Connie Liakos Evers
This leader/activity guide complements “How to Teach Nutrition to Kids” and includes essential background information on nutrition, strategies for promoting positive food choices, and insights into making nutrition fun and engaging. The guide features over 200 activities to help educators implement these principles effectively.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students, Parents, Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Nutritionists
FORMAT: 63-page Book
Hungry Mind-Hungry Body
Real Life Storybooks ©1995 Illana Katz
In this heartfelt story, nine-year-old Candy, with the support of her mother and a compassionate dietitian, learns how to manage her overeating and improve her self-esteem.
AUDIENCE: Early Elementary, Parents
FORMAT: 46-page Book
I Need a Lunch Box
HarperTrophy ©1988 Jeanette Franklin Caines
Follow the heartfelt journey of a little boy who dreams of having a lunch box, even before he embarks on his school adventure. This charming story captures the excitement and anticipation of starting school and the special items that make it all the more thrilling.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 32-page Book
Incredible Edible Science
W.H. Freeman and Company ©1994 Tina L. Seelig
This engaging cookbook opens up a world of culinary exploration for students, showcasing the fascinating science behind cooking. As they prepare delicious recipes, young chefs will learn how chemistry and physics transform ingredients into mouthwatering dishes, all while tantalizing their taste buds!
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students
FORMAT: 80-page Book
Janey Junkfood’s Fresh Adventure!
Foodplay ©1995 Barbara Storper
Join Janey Junkfood on a lively journey to break free from unhealthy eating habits! This entertaining show encourages children to “Treat your body right” with a catchy rhythm. Through juggling, rap music, and the infectious energy of local kids, viewers will discover how to mix and match their food choices for a balanced diet. This delightful TV special is a fun way to engage young audiences in making healthier eating decisions.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Elementary Physical Education, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 30-Minute Video, 28-Page Activity Guide
The Kid’s Multicultural Cookbook: Food & Fun Around the World
Williamson Publishing Co ©1995 Deanna F. Cook
Children aged 4-10 can explore over 50 fantastic multicultural recipes while meeting real kids from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the South Pacific. This cookbook offers a delightful international culinary experience, showcasing food as a universal connector. Alongside delicious dishes, readers will enjoy games, jokes, cultural traditions, and customs that enhance their global feast.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students, Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 160-Pages Book
Kids Cook!: Fabulous Food For The Whole Family
Williamson Publishing Co ©1992 Sarah Williamson
This vibrant cookbook invites kids and their families to embark on a culinary adventure. With over 150 step-by-step recipes, children will learn nutrition notes, safety tips, and fun food trivia as they whip up tasty meals together.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Elementary
FORMAT: 157-Pages Book
Kids in the Kitchen: 100 Delicious, Fun, and Healthy Recipes to Cook and Bake
Sterling Publishing Company ©1994 Micah Pulleyn
Who can resist enticing dishes like “Apple Volcanoes,” “Cheesy Apple Pancakes,” or “Sunshine Seen Between”? Authored by two talented young chefs—13 and 17 years old—this delightful cookbook features 100 easy-to-read recipes that range from healthy to whimsical. Each recipe includes ingredient lists, step-by-step directions, and serving sizes, complemented by vibrant photographs that capture the cooking process.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students
FORMAT: 112-Pages Book
Kids’ Kitchen “No Cook” Video Kit
Foodplay Productions ©1996 Barbara Storper
Watch as the children’s cookbook comes alive with “Tobe Fit-The Juggling Nutrition Magician” and her lively multi-ethnic crew of school kids. This engaging video demonstrates how to create easy, nutritious, and delicious snacks without any cooking! Packed with hands-on food activities, Kids’ Kitchen makes nutrition fun and accessible for all. The bright sets, enthusiastic young chefs, and dynamic activities inspire children to embrace healthy foods!
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary Students, Health Clinics, Head Start, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 50-Minute Video (Six Units, 8-12 Minutes Each), No-Cook Activity Guidebook
Kitchen Fun for Kids
Center for Science in the Public Interest ©1997
In response to the barrage of ads promoting burgers, fries, and sodas, this exciting video encourages kids to take charge of their nutrition by cooking up healthy meals. Featuring a lively group of kids who host their own cooking show, the program showcases a variety of healthy snacks like Bananany Bread, Pita Pizzas, Orange Coolers, and Bean-and-Cheese Soft Tacos, all set to original music and a lively studio audience.
AUDIENCE: Elementary, Middle School
FORMAT: 24-Minute Video
Learn From Lunch: A Kindergarten-Grade 6 Nutrition Education Activities Resource
Nutrition Education Training Program, State of Hawaii ©1994 Nancy Kanehiro, Department of Ed.
This resource aims to seamlessly integrate classroom learning with the school lunch program. Designed primarily for teachers of elementary school-aged children, it features engaging lesson plans enriched with cultural food references unique to Hawaii. Additionally, it offers insights for food service personnel on incorporating nutrition education into the cafeteria setting.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students
FORMAT: 523-Page Manual
Let’s Celebrate!: A World of Healthy Foods
©1996 West Virginia Department of Education
This vibrant resource offers a wealth of classroom activities, recipes, and party ideas that celebrate the culinary traditions of eight cultural regions around the globe. It successfully engages students, educators, food service personnel, and parents in a variety of nutrition education experiences, with activities adaptable for all age groups.
AUDIENCE: Food Service Personnel, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, Parents, Child Care Providers/Sponsors
FORMAT: 169-Page Book
The Little Red Hen
New York, NY ©1973 Paul Galdone
In this timeless tale, the little red hen discovers that none of her lazy friends are willing to assist her in planting, harvesting, or grinding wheat into flour. However, they all eagerly want to enjoy the delicious cake she ultimately bakes.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 38-Page Book
Love in a Lunch Box: 101 Suggestions for Happier, Healthier Lunches
Beautiful America Publishing ©1994 Carole Raymond
This delightful resource is packed with innovative lunch packing ideas that children of all ages will love. With over 100 whimsical suggestions, you can create healthy and appetizing lunches that convey a heartfelt message of “I love you” at lunchtime.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Parents
FORMAT: 84 Pages
Mel’s Diner
Troll Medallion ©1994 Marissa Moss
In this charming story, Mabel loves helping her parents run their diner—a warm and inviting place where she enjoys spending her time. The diner is filled with delicious food and friendly faces, making it a beloved spot in the community.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 32-Page Book
More Spaghetti, I Say!
Cartwheel Books ©1993 Rita GoldenGelman
Join Minnie the monkey as she indulges in her favorite food: spaghetti! So busy savoring her pasta in every possible way, Minnie has little time to play with her friend Freddy, leading to a playful adventure filled with deliciousness.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 30-Page Book