Growing children need to have the proper balance of nutrients, protein, and grains in their daily diet. While parents are largely responsible to help ensure that their kids get the nutrition they need, schools also play a very important role in the process of feeding our children. School nutritional plans can vary depending on the local district, and are often based on parental feedback. The use of a good, informative and thorough nutrition plan can help to eliminate childhood obesity, and is often a very important part of many kids’ meals. Lunch at school is very often the most nutrition some children receive, particularly those who come from low-income families.
Here are some examples of plans put in place by schools like Abernethy Elementary School in Oregon, who has piloted a gardening program where children can cultivate their own vegetables and fruits. Schools all over the globe have begun to implement more streamlined and efficient nutritional plans to help make sure future generations are healthy and happy. Some of the plans’ main focuses include:
- Provide children with options for healthy foods that are nutritious. These can include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and proteins like chicken or beef.
- Ensure that sugary options at lunch are limited by avoiding candies and cookies. Instead, serve up fruit cocktails or other healthy items that can satisfy a child’s sweet tooth without the extra sugar.
- Many schools now avoid the use of soda machines in their hallways. Some have offered up alternative options like vending machines that sell bottled water or fruit juice instead of sugary, caffeine-laden sodas.
- An educational plan is put in place in several schools to help teach children about healthy eating habits. This is often implemented in health classes, and is a good way to teach kids from a young age about what foods are nutritious, and which food to eat in moderation.
- Aside from food nutrition, schools encourage students to participate in physical education classes, where they can engage in some form of exercise. Team sports are also encouraged to help kids learn. about teamwork and friendship as well as physical fitness
- Making learning fun is an integral part in keeping children better informed about proper nutrition. Lesson plans can be implemented in any classroom, and are good tools to help children understand about good eating habits.
- Food safety is also a priority when it comes to children and food. Cafeteria workers need to be held to strict standards that implement cleanliness and germ or disease prevention. Schools should properly train and oversee their cafeteria workers to ensure that children are not in danger from harmful bacteria.
- Avoiding using food as a reward is a newer policy that many schools have now begun to implement. Giving kids food for doing a good job encourages binge eating and overeating in general. If a celebration is taking place, healthier options should be available instead of the traditional cake or pizza.
Meal plans should be used by all schools to help better prepare and provide weekly nutritional meals for children. Following guidelines set forth by the US Department of Agriculture can help give school districts across the country a better idea of what kinds of foods should be included in the plan. Each state has its own general plan, but the USDA helps provide a template of what to use to help make sure children are getting the best nutrition possible.
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