Kids
Behind the Scenes: White House Chefs Prep the Kids' State Dinner
Today's Kids' State Dinner is a White House original in many ways -- it's not only the first time the guests of honor are ALL under the age of 13, it's also the first time the White House kitchen has served a formal meal where the entire menu was created by "chefs" who have no formal training. But Executive Chef Cris Comerford and Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses say they learned a thing or two about healthy cooking from the young winners of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge -- check it out:
Let’s Read! Let’s Move! 2015
Now in its fifth year, with 27 events and nearly 4,000 students reading, moving, and receiving free books, the Let’s Read! Let’s Move! program continues to help students keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months, while learning about historic and iconic locations in Washington, D.C.
Let’s Move! Child Care Celebrates 4th Anniversary—Complete an Action Plan Today!
Let’s Move! Child Care (LMCC) gives child care and early education providers the tools to help children develop healthy habits for life. As part of the anniversary of LMCC, the program is highlighting child care centers that have not only signed up, but completed their action plans to work toward creating a healthier environment at their center.
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.”
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.
Way to Go Beantown! Boston Celebrates Healthy Food and Physical Activity in Child Care
From Hyde Park to the South End, child care providers across Boston are making healthier choices for their children by joining the Boston Healthy Childcare Initiative, launched by Mayor Thomas M. Menino in his 2012 State of the City address.
Tune In Tomorrow: Kids' State Dinner Live Online!
Tomorrow, the First Lady will host the 54 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge winners and their parent/guardian for the second annual Kids’ State Dinner here at the White House! Be sure to catch all the action straight from the East Room as we bring you live stream coverage of what Mrs. Obama has touted as “one of my favorite events we’ve ever done for Let’s Move!”
Working with Faith and Community Leaders to Help Families Live Healthier and More Active Lives
This year, Let’s Move Faith & Communities is teaming up with the National Institutes of Health’s We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition)® program! We Can! is a national education program designed to provide families, caregivers and communities the science-based tips, tools and strategies that they can use to help children eat right, move more and reduce screen time.
Indiana Fever Brings On The Heat: WNBA Champions Host Let’s Move! Basketball Clinic
Last week, President Obama welcomed WNBA Champion Indiana Fever to the White House to honor the team and congratulate them on their victory. Following the formal event with the President, Indiana Fever players led a Let’s Move! basketball clinic on the South Lawn with forty children from a nearby YMCA program. This visit continued the tradition begun by President Obama of honoring sports teams for their efforts to give back to communities as part of their trip to Washington.
MyPlate Turns 2!
Time flies when you are eating healthy! June 2nd marks the second anniversary of MyPlate, the food icon that reminds us to build a healthy plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and fat-free or low-fat dairy at every meal. MyPlate is one of the easiest ways to learn about healthy eating. It's a friendly image for parents and kids to look at and recognize how to pile up their own plate. As First Lady Michelle Obama says:
