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Let's Move Blog

Posted by Elizabeth Rhodes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Tatiana Tucker, Administration for Children and Families and Tatiana Tucker, Child Care Specialist, Administration for Children and Families on August 8, 2013
In Lansing, Michigan, child care provider Summer Lettau is teaching young kids to choose healthy options—and enjoy them! Check out her tips to get inspired and help you teach your little ones about eating healthy. 
Posted by Steve Watson, USDA on August 7, 2013
Andalusia City Schools were ahead of the curve. Even before they applied for the Healthier U.S. School Challenge (HUSSC) and won a Gold Award of Distinction for their elementary school, Andalusia City Schools were already taking steps towards making nutritional improvements to their meals.  “We have a long standing tradition of excellence and are recognized as a system where performance exceeds expectations,” said Ms. Stephanie Dillard, child nutrition director for Andalusia City Schools. “At Andalusia City Schools we want what is best for all students, and we exceed expectations in our school meals.” Schools in Andalusia began serving whole wheat breads and romaine lettuce prior to applying for the HUSSC. Additionally, the schools increased their fruit and vegetable offerings, including dark green and dark orange vegetables a few times a week. Students were also already served one percent or skim milk. 
Posted by Sam Kass, Executive Director, Let's Move! on August 6, 2013
When we launched Let’s Move! in 2010, many people saw no end in sight to rising rates of childhood obesity. But, today a light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to emerge. The evidence is in, and we could not be more excited! First, there was a report showing a decline in obesity in Mississippi of 13% among elementary school students, as well as decreases in Philadelphia, New York City, and California. And today, according to the latest Vital Signs report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity rates among low-income preschoolers modestly declined in 19 U.S. states and territories between 2008 and 2011.
Posted by Elyse Cohen, Deputy Director, Let's Move! on August 5, 2013
Any parent will tell you – kids have a lot of energy. That’s why this week is all about harnessing that energy and turning it into productive playtime! National Exercise With Your Child Week, which runs August 4-10th, encourages parents and guardians alike to empower their children to become physically active. Staying active together can help children build confidence while teaching them the importance of physical activity to lead a healthy life.
Posted by AJ Pearlman, Associate Director for Policy, Let's Move! on August 2, 2013
Amidst a sea of white pop up tents and folding tables, the sights and smells abound – fragrant peaches in peak season, plump heirloom tomatoes, and perfectly-picked peppers. Sound familiar?
Posted by Julie Tucker, RD, CDN, SNS, Registered Dietitian for the Broome Tioga BOCES Rock on Café School Meals Programs on August 1, 2013
Fifteen school districts in New York’s Southern Tier are leading the way in creating healthier school environments through its Rock on Café School Meals Program. Through Rock on Café, we’ve consolidated bids, recipes, promotions, and menus, and added a Registered Dietitian who provides nutrition expertise to the school meal programs. Numerous schools under this program have earned USDA HealthierUS Schools Challenge Awards through creating healthy menus and meeting the requirements for physical activity and nutrition education. A main component of the Rock on Café is our partnerships with community agencies and organizations to provide nutrition education and healthier meals to students. Two of the partners include the Broome County Health Department and United Health Services “Stay Healthy Kids” Center. Through the Broome County Health Department, the Rock on Café has partnered to reduce sodium in school meals. By means of consolidated food procurement with specification for items and taste testing with students, sodium has been successfully reduced!
Posted by Kelly Miterko, Deputy Associate Director, Let's Move! on August 1, 2013
Joining President Obama at the White House this Tuesday to celebrate their second World Series win in three years, some athletes from the San Francisco Giants took a moment to speak with Let’s Move! about the importance of cultivating healthy habits in children. Players Marco Scutaro and Gregor Blanco addressed the role parents play in making sure their kids are making healthy choices.
Posted by Elyse Cohen, Deputy Director, Let's Move! on July 30, 2013
This shouldn’t be something out of left field: health matters. Especially if you’re trying to win a World Series! Visiting the White House yesterday to celebrate their 2012 World Series victory, athletes from the San Francisco Giants shared their insights with Let’s Move! about why eating healthy and staying active are important habits to cultivate at a young age. The players emphasized that helping kids develop a healthy lifestyle is key to their future success, whether on or off the field.
Posted by Roberta Abodeely, School Nurse, Dr. Dr. Norman W. Crisp Elementary School, Nashua, NH on July 29, 2013
Dr. Norman W. Crisp Elementary School is honored to be the first school in the State of New Hampshire to receive a Silver Award from the USDA’s Healthier US Schools Program. As the school nurse at Dr. Crisp, I am proud to say that we have been working on providing a healthy school environment for over nine years.
Posted by Chris Kelly, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Mid-Atlantic Region, Public Affairs on July 26, 2013
Last September I visited Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to observe a unique outdoor “classroom.” At the far end of the school parking lot, a small group of students were carefully testing the pH and temperature of bubbling water in bright blue tanks that contained hundreds of tiny tilapia fish hatchlings. And just a few feet away another group of stu­dents were proudly tending the seedlings of lettuce, pumpkin, car­rots and other herbs and vegetables thriving in the aquaponic farm.