Calling all kid chefs: The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge invites parents of kids ages 8-12 to submit an original recipe for a lunch that is nutritious and delicious. All entrants have the chance to win a trip to Washington D.C. and the opportunity to be invited to attend a Kids' “State Dinner” at the White House in August, where a selection of the winning healthy recipes will be served.
Let's Move! is teaming up with Epicurious, the Department of Education and USDA to find great lunch ideas that are healthy, affordable, and -- of course -- tasty.
"We all want to ensure that our kids are eating nutritious, delicious food at every meal, and as a mom I know that parents are always looking for new ideas to make that happen,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “With parents and kids all across the country getting creative in the kitchen, I know we'll find healthy meals that every family will enjoy. And I can’t wait to try the kids’ creations myself.”
With less than a week to go before the Second Annual National Kids to Parks Day, more than 70,000 people in 45 states have pledged to go to a park and have some fun. With park events planned in 39 states, tens of thousands of kids and their parents will participate in what is becoming America’s national day of park play. National Kids to Parks Day is a great way to kick off the summer and reminds families to get out and enjoy the local, state and national parks in their communities.
Parks around the country are offering an enticing menu of events to attract visitors. In Virginia, all 36 state parks will offer an active, family-focused event for National Kids to Parks Day. In addition, families will be bird watching in California, fishing in Connecticut, biking and hiking in Georgia, doing volcano restoration in Hawaii, and pond prowling in Louisiana.
So far, 251 mayors in 45 states and Washington D.C. have sponsored and passed resolutions of support for this special day. Meanwhile, governors of Washington, Colorado, Vermont, Maryland, Virginia, Missouri, and West Virginia have officially declared May 19 National Kids to Parks Day.
Posted by Jessica Larson, Dietetic Intern, USDA Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships on May 18, 2012
First Lady Michelle Obama understands that fighting obesity requires a multi-faceted approach, which is why the Let's Move! initiative focuses on many ways to help children be healthy. How we shop at the grocery store can have a huge impact on our budget. That’s why one of the pillars of the Let’s Move! initiative is making sure that healthy foods are affordable and accessible.
A commonly held belief is that eating healthy foods is more expensive than eating less healthy foods. But that depends on how you measure the cost of food, according to a new report published by USDA’s Economic Research Service. The researchers compared the price of food based on three different metrics: the price per calorie, the price per edible weight, and the price per average portion. They concluded that even though healthy foods, like fruits, vegetables, and certain grains and dairy products, are more expensive when priced per calorie, they are less expensive than most protein foods and foods high in saturated fat, added sugar and/or sodium when food is priced by either edible weight or average portion. What this means is that healthy foods are not more expensive than unhealthy foods when comparing prices using an alternative measure to price per calorie.
April showers bring May flowers. That’s how the old adage goes. But instead of waiting for the flowers to bloom, this May bring your family together with an activity that is perfect whether the sun is shining or it’s pouring down rain – we're talking about gardening of course! Families, schools and communities across the country can all take part in our newest initiative to get our children healthy. We’re growing our own produce and we want you to join us.
Note: This live session of Office Hours has concluded. View the full question and answer session below or at Storify.com
This has been an exciting week for Let’s Move! On Monday, First Lady Michelle Obama joined Team USA to announce new programs that will help connect more than 1.7 million kids with athletic opportunities in their communities.
Today, we launched a new section on LetsMove.gov dedicated to helping schools, communities and families start their own gardens. Find out how you can get started on a garden of your own with checklists for schools, communities and kitchens.
Do you have questions about the Let’s Move! initiative or how to get your garden growing this spring?
On Friday, May 18th at 1:00 pm ET, we’re holding a special session of White House Office Hours with Sam Kass, White House Chef and Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives, to answer your questions on Twitter.
Yesterday, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed MLS Cup Champions the LA Galaxy to the White House. President Obama honored the teams 2011 season and their MLS Cup victory and the First Lady hosted a question and answer session where the players discussed getting active, eating right and keeping healthy with an audience of young, talented soccer fans from around the country.
There’s no better time than the hot, sunny days of summer vacation to get kids moving. And with the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games kicking off this July, young people all across the country will have a chance to see some of America’s finest athletes in action as they run, jump, swim and ride in hopes of bringing home the gold.
Recipe courtesy of Country Living Magazine
"Sweet potatoes add welcome texture to pizza—and they’re delicious with tomato sauce!" — Cristeta Comerford and Sam Kass, executive chef and assistant chef of the White House
Serving Size
8
Recipe courtesy of USDA's ChooseMyPlate.gov
This is a bright, light take on sweet & sour pork that’s studded with plenty of pineapple, carrots, and wedges of tomato.
Serving Size
Serves 4 (approximately 1¼ cups each)
Recipe courtesy of the USDA's ChooseMyPlate.gov
An easy, tasty and healthy dip that makes the perfect partner for veggies.
Serving Size
Serves 6
Ingredients
