Eat Healthy
Let’s Move! Gives Two Green Thumbs Up for Gardening!
It may still be cold outside, but it doesn’t mean you can’t start thinking about your spring garden. Whether you’re planning a school garden or have the perfect plot of land in your backyard, Let’s Move! has all the tools you need to get started! Gardening not only stocks your kitchen with all-natural fruits and veggies rich with nutrients, it can be a great way to give your kids a hands-on lesson in healthy eating.
A Fresh (Fish) Spin on an Old Concept
The school day keeps getting healthier for kids in the Bend-LaPine School District in central Oregon! Building on the concept of Farm to School (connecting farmers to schools), Oregon is implementing an innovative concept called “Boat to School.” This program connects Oregon fishermen and processors with the school cafeteria and classroom so that local seafood is served on the lunch line and students learn about coastal communities.
Let’s Move! Executive Director, Sam Kass Kicks off the School Year with Healthy Kid Friendly Meals on the TODAY Show
As school bells rang across the country this morning, Let’s Move! Executive Director Sam Kass visited the TODAY Show to talk about the importance of nutritious meals for kids—both in school and at home. He also highlighted Let’s Move! Active Schools, the First Lady’s initiative to really get kids active throughout the school day.
From the White House Kitchen Garden to Your #LetsMoveGarden
Last week, @FLOTUS asked her social media followers to share what's growing in their personal gardens using #LetsMoveGarden. Check out the results below, but as a warning, they may make you hungry!
Boy Oh Boy! Boise Combats Childhood Obesity With New Child Care Workshop Series
When parents are busy at work all day, child care providers play a crucial role in maintaining a child’s health and wellbeing.
That’s why the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health and the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) have teamed up to provide Boise-area child care providers with a series of free educational workshops.
School Breakfast Top Priority for NJ School District
Harrison School District Superintendent Dr. James Doran is committed to improving the learning environment for children in this small New Jersey town. Part of that commitment was on display during National School Breakfast Week when I visited Lincoln Elementary School with Dr. Doran to see first-hand how schools in Harrison have championed breakfast in the classroom.
Lincoln has more than 600 students who have enjoyed breakfast in the classroom for the past two school years. But this year Dr. Doran expanded the program to include both the middle and high school, ensuring that even more students begin each school day with a nutritious breakfast. The District decided it was best to offer breakfast after the bell to all students because, according to Dr. Doran, “all the research indicates that children who eat breakfast perform better academically and tend to be more attentive.”
Pick Up a Papaya, Color Your Palate and Your Plate
In the First Lady’s White House Kitchen Garden, you’ll find the usual suspects: basil, tomato, cucumbers, and…papaya?
Child Care Provider Shares: Tips to Teach Little Ones to Eat Healthy
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.
Alabama City School System Proactive in Meeting New Meal Standards
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.
Evidence of Progress: New CDC Report Shows Declines in Childhood Obesity Rates Among Low-Income Preschoolers
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.
