In the quest to foster healthier school environments and improve student well-being, a variety of resources are available to support schools in implementing effective nutrition and wellness programs. These resources provide valuable tools for educators, school administrators, and nutrition professionals to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and overall wellness among students. From comprehensive lesson plans and educational toolkits to advocacy materials and success stories, these resources are designed to make it easier for schools to integrate nutrition education into their curricula and community outreach efforts.
Resources for Schools
Here are some of the most important resources for schools:
Successful Students Eat Smart and Move More
The Successful Students Eat Smart, Move More initiative is a social marketing intervention aimed at generating enthusiasm for Local Wellness Policies among school stakeholders. The goal is to encourage the development, evaluation, and community support of these policies. This resource is divided into five key sections: Speaker Handouts from the March 2008 Spring Forward with Local Wellness Policy workshops; Advocacy Tools; Community Outreach; Evaluation; and Training and Presentations.
Students Succeed with School Meals: The Healthy, Low-Cost Choice
This promotional toolkit is specifically designed for Child Nutrition professionals. It aims to highlight the benefits of school meals to families, teachers, and principals. Developed based on input from focus groups, this kit includes materials that address the needs of all stakeholders involved, ensuring that the messages are relevant and effective.
Fruit and Veggie Lesson Plans for Grades K-5
These lesson plans integrate fruit and vegetable nutrition education into the classroom, combining it with Math and English Language Arts activities. The curriculum provides a Math and English Language Arts Objectives Quick Reference and includes additional resources and classroom activities to promote the consumption of fruits and veggies.
Fruit and Veggie Nutrition Education Resources for Grades K-5
Designed to support fruit and veggie nutrition education in classrooms, cafeterias, and communities, this resource provides a range of materials including success stories, presentations, and family resources. It emphasizes the importance of role modeling and positive interactions to encourage lifelong healthy eating habits.
Fruit and Veggie Fun for Every Season
This resource highlights the nutritional benefits and varieties of fruits and vegetables. It aims to promote the consumption of these healthy foods across all age groups and underscores their importance for current and future health.
Food For Thought
The Food For Thought curriculum integrates nutrition education with the Healthful Living Standard Course of Study, blending concepts of healthy eating and physical activity with Math and English Language Arts. It is designed to motivate students to adopt healthier dietary patterns and lifestyles through engaging lessons.
Proceedings from Healthy Schools Eating Smart and Moving More: Establishing School Wellness Policy
This workshop, held in September 2005, provided School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs) with the tools and information needed to develop and implement local wellness policies. It reflects Congress’s emphasis on the role of schools in promoting student health and preventing obesity, as mandated by the Child Reauthorization Act of 2004.
Conclusion
Utilizing these resources can significantly enhance the effectiveness of nutrition and wellness programs in schools. By integrating educational materials, advocacy tools, and practical lesson plans into daily school activities, educators and school leaders can foster a healthier environment that supports the well-being of students. These resources not only facilitate the implementation of robust wellness policies but also engage the broader school community in the promotion of healthy lifestyles.