promoting healthy youth - columbus parent · 2017-01-26 · promoting healthy youth a parent...

Promoting Healthy YouthA Parent Toolkit for Enhancing Nutrition and Physical Activity in Schools and at Home

1www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org

Introduction 0304 Letter from the OAFHK Chair and Ohio PTA

05 Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Fact Sheet

07 Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Zone Teams

10 How to Use this Toolkit

Advocacy 1516 Becoming an Advocate

19 Resources to Help Parent Advocating

School Environment: What You Need to Know 2021 Tips for Working with Schools

23 School Environment Flow Chart

25 School Nutrition Environment

27 Competitive Foods

31 Physical Education Programs

32 School Policies

School Health Environment Assessment 3637 Conduct a Needs Assessment

38 Assessment Resources

40 Key Assessment Questions

Evaluation 4243 Evaluation

47 Share Your Success Story

49 Mini-Grant Success Stories from Zone Teams

P.A.R.E.N.T. Process: Taking Action for Change 5859 Introduction to the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process

61 School Wellness Policies

65 School Breakfast Program

70 Creating a Healthy School Nutrition Environment

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Section 5

Table of Contents

Section 6

2 www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org

71 Healthy Snacks in Schools

74 Healthy Fundraising Techniques

77 Non-Food Rewards and School Celebrations

80 Healthy School Celebrations and Healthy Rewards and Incentives

86 Physical Activity and Physical Education

90 Physical Activity Curricula and Programs

93 Walking Programs

97 Walking School Bus

100 P.A.R.E.N.T. Process Resources

Healthy Living at Home 122123 Introduction to Healthy Living at Home

126 Breakfast

128 Healthy Snacking

130 Eating More Fruits and Vegetables

132 Family Meals

134 Helping Your Child Become More Active

136 Portion Control

138 Food Groups to Encourage

Section 7

Table of Contents


Introduction04 Letter from the OAFHK Chair and Ohio PTA

05 Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Fact Sheet

07 Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Zone Teams

10 How to Use this Toolkit

Section 1


Letter from the Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Chair and Ohio PTA

Welcome to the Ohio Parent Toolkit for Nutrition and Physical

Activity brought to you by Ohio Action for Healthy Kids

and Ohio Parent Teacher Association! We are pleased to present

this toolkit to help parents impact the nutrition and physical

activity environment in schools. The toolkit contains background

information, success stories, supplemental resources and a

P.A.R.E.N.T. Process for changing the wellness environment within

schools. This version of the toolkit contains helpful information

for parents to make positive changes within the home environment

as well.

We encourage parents to become actively involved in nutrition and

physical activity projects in their schools. Given the rising rates of

obesity, and the health and economic costs tied to this epidemic, it

will take the efforts of everyone to address this issue. Schools and

afterschool programs play a significant role in positively changing

the health behaviors of children. Many parent-led wellness projects

have produced significant results and this toolkit outlines the

process for how to make these changes in your own school.

We thank all of those who have contributed to this toolkit. Ohio

parents, as well as many groups from other states truly made this

a collaborative effort.

We will continue to gather examples of positive parental involvement

in schools and identify resources to assist your efforts. Please visit

the Ohio Action for Healthy Kids website for updated information,

www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org. Also tell us about your

successes so we can add your story to our website! We hope to hear

from you soon!

1Letter from the OAFHK Chair and Ohio PTA

www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org

Shelly Roth Beiting

Ohio Action for Healthy Kids

State Chair

Sue Owen

Ohio PTA

Executive Director


Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Fact Sheet

What is Ohio Action for Healthy Kids?

A partnership of more than 25 state education, fitness, nutrition

and health organizations addressing the school’s role in

responding to childhood health. The Ohio Action for Healthy

Kids Team is dedicated to improving the health and educational

performance of Ohio’s children through better nutrition and

physical activity by promoting a healthy school environment.

Healthy schools produce healthy students -- and healthy students

are better able to learn and achieve their true potential.

What are Ohio’s Goals?Ohio’s goals create health promoting schools that support sound

nutrition and physical activity programs.

Goal #1: Expand the number of schools and students participating

in the School Breakfast Program.

Goal #2: Ensure healthy foods and beverages are provided

in vending machines, school stores and all venues within the

school’s control.

Goal #3: Promote student health through regular physical

activity opportunities including a high quality physical education

program.

Goal #4: Support schools and provide assistance with the creation

of effective school wellness policies.

Our ResultsSchool Environment Outcomes – School Year 2007-2008

44,019 additional students participating in the USDA School •Breakfast Program;

Over 105 mini-grants awarded to Ohio Schools impacting •over 30,373 students and 634 school staff with new school

nutrition and physical activity programs;

30 regional workshops held reaching over 2,044 school •administrators, staff and community individuals.

Communications Go-to resource for school wellness opportunities: •www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org;

Monthly newsletters, quarterly conference calls and annual •membership meetings.

1Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Overview


Product Development A Zone Leadership Manual, Parent Toolkit, Student Mentoring

Guide and Nutrition and Physical Activity Toolkits to provide to

schools.

How to Get Involved? Ohio Action for Healthy Kids’ infrastructure provides various

opportunities to foster sharing and collaboration among

diverse groups to encourage and facilitate meaningful change

in schools. The Steering Committee includes members of state-

level organizations. There are 10 regional zone teams for school

staff, community members, parents, child health advocates and

individuals interested in school health. These Regional Zones

work at the local level to provide best practice resources to

schools.

For more information about activities in your regional zone

and the Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Initiative:

www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org

Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Overview


Morrow 10

Stark 7

Carroll 7

Jefferson 7

Harrison 7

Tuscarawas 7 Coshocton

7

Muskingum 7

Noble 7

Belmont 7

Guernsey 7

Williams 1

Fulton 1

Lucas 1

Defiance 1

Henry 1

Wood 1

Paulding 1

Ottawa 1

Sandusky 1

Seneca 1 Putnam

2 Hancock 2

Van Wert 2 Allen

2

Mercer 2

Auglaize 2

Hardin 2

Logan 2

Darke 9

Shelby 9

Miami 9

Champaign 9

Clark 9

Preble 9

Montgomery 9

Greene 9

Butler 6

Hamilton 6

Warren 6

Clinton 6

Clermont 6

Highland 6

Brown 6 Adams

6

Fayette 6

Scioto 5

Pike 5

Pickaway 5

Ross 5

Fairfield 5 Perry

5

Hocking 5

Vinton 5

Jackson 5

Gallia 5

Meigs 5

Athens 5

Washington 5

Morgan 5

Monroe 5

Lawrence 5

Delaware 8

Union 8

Madison 8

Franklin 8

Licking 8

Knox 10

Wyandot 10

Crawford 10

Marion 10

Erie 10

Huron 10

Wayne 10

Ashland 10

Richland

10

Holmes 10

Morrow 10

Lorain 3

Cuyahoga 3

Summit 3

Medina 3

Lake 4

Ashtabula 4

Geauga 4

Trumbull 4

Portage 4

Mahoning 4

Columbiana 4

Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Regional Zones

8/22/2008 based upon Buckeye Association of School Administrators

Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Zone Teams

Regional Zone Team Structure

Ohio Action for Healthy Kids is divided into 10 regional zone

teams to create change in schools at the grassroots level by

collaborating with local schools, organizations and child health

advocates. Regional zone teams work at county, school district

and school building levels to improve nutrition and increase

opportunities for physical activity in Ohio schools.

Each regional zone team is led by a member of the state steering

committee, who mentors team members. Each team needs the

input and leadership of educators, school administrators and other

representatives. Together, we believe we can make positive changes

for children in Ohio. To join a regional Zone team, contact the Zone

Leader whose information is on the next page.



Zone Contact InformationZone 1Jan Meyer

Regional Support and Development Consultant


419-474-8528

[email protected]

Zone 2Janet Bassitt

Auglaize County Health Department

214 S. Wagner Street

Wapakoneta, OH 45895

419-738-3410

[email protected]

Zone 3Donna Cook

Community Services Coordinator, Regional Medical Practice

26900 Cedar Road

Beachwood, OH 44122

216-839-3069

[email protected]

Zone 4Betsy Barringer

Columbiana County, Education Service Center

38720 Saltwell Road

Lisbon, OH 44432

330-424-9591 ext. 140

[email protected]

Zone 5Court Witschey

Cardiovascular Health Coordinator,

Washington County Health Department

342 Muskingum Drive

Marietta, OH 45750

740-374-2782

[email protected]

1Ohio Action for Healthy Kids Zone Teams


Zone 6Zone Mentor - Carol Gill

Ohio Department of Health

937-285-6250

[email protected]

Zone 7Deanna Putman

Children’s Hunger Alliance, Regional Director

3077 Kettering Boulevard, Suite 300

Dayton, OH 45439

937-534-0600 ext. 111

[email protected]

Zone 8Jan Ritter

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

700 Children’s Drive

Columbus, OH 43205

614-722-3465

[email protected]

Zone 9Sara Pappa

Greene County Combined Health District

360 Wilson Drive

Xenia, OH 45385

937-374- 5662

[email protected]

Zone 10Jan Meyer

Regional Support and Development Consultant


419-474-8528

[email protected]

Please visit www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org for a regularly

updated list and contact information.



How to Use this Toolkit

Parents want the best for their children. Promoting better

nutrition and physical activity in school is one way to help

children receive a quality education and build healthy habits for

the future. Childhood obesity rates are on the rise, and because

this issue can lead to devastating health problems, reduce life

expectancy, and increase health care costs, it is up to parents to

take an active role in addressing the problem. This Ohio parent

toolkit highlights nutrition and physical activity project areas that

parents can become involved in and gives a step-by-step process on

how to implement wellness projects in schools.

The National Action for Healthy Kids Report, “Parent’s Views on

School Wellness Policies,” states that parents can have the greatest

impact on changing the practices of our schools because they are

the strongest advocates for America’s children. Parents must be

fully engaged in the effort to address childhood obesity and the

role that schools must play in providing solutions. Furthermore,

parents must be given a central role in helping to ensure that our

schools implement nutrition and physical activity programs and

Wellness Policies.

This toolkit includes a “P.A.R.E.N.T. Process” by which parents can

make changes in schools. The P.A.R.E.N.T. Process is a system for

assessing the school environment and implementing a wellness

project in a school. In order to give you examples of how to advocate

for change the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process has been applied to several topics

in the toolkit.

What’s Inside the ToolkitAdvocacy This section contains information on becoming an involved parent

and builds the foundation for making positive changes in schools.

Collaborating with other concerned individuals to create change

is an excellent method to achieve a goal and is traditionally called

grassroots advocacy when performed at a local level. Grassroots

advocacy has changed everything from school policy to law.

Connecting with other like-minded individuals to advance a cause

creates strength in numbers.

School Environment: What You Need to KnowIf your parent group wants to make changes within a school, you

need to understand how the school system works. This section

will help to familiarize your group with the school structure, the

1How to Use this Toolkit

“Connecting

with other like-

minded individuals

to advance a cause

creates strength

in numbers.”


general School Wellness Policy, and current policies dealing with

school nutrition and physical education. After reading this section,

you should have some direction as to whom you should contact first

and how to approach those who can help to implement your ideas

for change.

School Health Environment AssessmentThis section will help you to determine the current status of your local

school’s environment from a health perspective. There are resources

listed to provide you with questions to aid in assessing your school.

The questions cover your school’s current nutrition services, federal

meal programs, nutrition education and physical education/

physical activity.

EvaluationOnce your group has implemented Wellness Policies and activities,

you need to periodically review and evaluate your progress. This

will help to maintain or make any necessary adjustments to your

policies to accomplish your wellness goals. Also, you will hear

about others’ success stories within their communities and learn

how to share your story!

The P.A.R.E.N.T. ProcessThe P.A.R.E.N.T. Process is designed to help guide parents through

the basic steps needed to help advocate for better wellness practices

in their local school. Follow the steps of the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process

to take action on a topic in this toolkit or use the structure to help

guide a matter of your own choosing.

There are countless ways to improve the wellness of your school.

In this section are some available programs that may or may not

be currently in place at your school. Nutrition programs and

policy topics that are covered include School Breakfast Programs,

nutrition education ideas and resources, vending machine policies,

non-food rewards and celebration policies, and other programs and

ideas that you may want to introduce to your school.

The P.A.R.E.N.T. Process section will provide you with some

additional physical education programs and resources that are

available to most schools. You will also find ideas for incorporating

physical activity within the classroom and current physical activity

curricula and programs for youth.



Healthy Living at HomeNot only is it critical for children to improve their wellness and

health education at school, but it is also important to practice healthy

living at home. This section provides simple and inexpensive ideas

to live out healthy habits with your family at home. 1How to Use this Toolkit


Acronyms and Definitions

This page explains the meanings of some of the acronyms and

terms that are used throughout this toolkit.

AcronymsAFHK - Action For Healthy Kids

CATCH - Coordinated Approach To Child Health

CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

FMNV - Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value

NASPE - National Association for Sport and Physical Education

OAFHK - Ohio Action For Healthy Kids

PA - Physical Activity

PANA - Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity

P.A.R.E.N.T. Process - Pick a Project, Assess the Situation,

Research, Educate, Network, Take Action

PE - Physical Education

PTA - Parent Teacher Association

SBP - School Breakfast Program

SHI - School Health Index

USDA - United States Department of Agriculture

WIC - Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and

Children

DefinitionsAdvocacy/Grassroots Advocacy - The act of arguing in favor

of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; active support.

Collaborating with other concerned individuals to create change

is an excellent method to achieve a goal and is traditionally called

grassroots advocacy when performed at a local level.

Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Law that

required all local school districts participating in the National

School Lunch Program to have a School District Wellness Policy

in place by July 1, 2006.

Competitive Foods - All foods and beverages offered or sold at

school that are not part of the USDA school meal program.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans - Guidelines published jointly

by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and

the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Guidelines provide

authoritative advice for people two years and older about how

good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major

chronic diseases. They serve as the basis for Federal food and

nutrition education programs.



Mini-Grant - Every year Ohio Action for Healthy Kids offers small

monetary awards to schools to support projects that advance

school wellness. The purpose of the mini-grants is to improve the

physical activity and nutrition behaviors of students and staff

through education, policy and/or environmental changes.

National School Breakfast Program - A federal reimbursement

program that provides nutritionally-balanced low-cost or free

breakfasts to children in public and non-public schools and child

care facilities.

National School Lunch Program - A federal reimbursement

program that offers nutritious, low-cost or free lunches to

children in public and non-public schools and child care facilities.

Nutrient Dense - Foods that provide substantial amounts of

vitamins and minerals with relatively few calories.

School Health Environment Assessment - The process by

which you determine the current status of your local school’s

environment from a health perspective.

School Wellness Policy - A set of goals set forth by school districts

for nutrition education, physical activity, campus food provision

and other school-based activities designed to promote student

wellness.

Walking School Bus - A group of children walking to school with

one or more adults.

Zone/Zone Team - Ohio Action for Healthy Kids is divided into 10

regional zone teams to create change in schools at the grassroots

level by collaborating with local schools, organizations and child

health advocates.



Advocacy16 Becoming an Advocate

19 Resources to Help Parent Advocating

Section 2


Becoming an Advocate

Grassroots Advocacy Organizing Parents in Your School Community to Make Positive Change

There is no better advocate for a child than their concerned

parent. They care very deeply about their children’s health

and well being. However, many parents who are concerned about

school nutrition and physical activity/education do not know where

to begin in order to create positive changes. Focused persuasion

with the goal of initiating change is what advocacy is all about.

Working with other parents and your local community can create an

effective grassroots campaign. Here are a few steps to help get the

parents in your group started as advocates for school wellness.

Getting StartedArrange for a MeetingIdentify other interested parents and begin a network through

your school PTA, other parent organization, school health council,

School Wellness Policy team, and/or school nutrition staff. Begin

by providing information about the negative impact of childhood

obesity and why school wellness is an important issue. Explain

how their families can benefit from being involved. Parents who

are more educated about an issue are more willing to take action.

Identify Your IssueMake sure you know the healthy steps your school is already

taking, as well as the health and wellness issues that concern you

and need to be improved. Begin by assessing your school’s health

environment to evaluate how your school measures up when it

comes to promoting student wellness. Tools for assessment can be

found in the section on “School Health Environment Assessment.”

After assessing your school’s environment, offer praise for

positive wellness activities in place and then decide which issue of

concern should be addressed. Once you pinpoint an area needing

improvement, set a clear, measurable goal to help guide your efforts

throughout your campaign.

Identify Your Target AudienceYour target audience will be the people you need to influence in

order to affect change. They will be the focus of your efforts. It may

be the administrators, the teaching staff, parents, students or the

cafeteria staff. Once your target audience is identified ask your

parent group some important questions:

2Becoming an Advocate

“Focused persuasion

with the goal of

initiating change

is what advocacy

is all about.”


What information does your target audience need in order to make

changes?

How can you influence your target audience to listen to your ideas?

The more you know about your target audience the more focused

you can be in developing action steps toward reaching your

overall goal.

Researching Your Issue Knowing the ImpactDetermine the number of students who are currently affected by

the problem you are addressing. Identify how they will benefit

from your action steps. This step is important, particularly when

you are trying to demonstrate to your target audience the value

of your project. It will also help in evaluating the success of your

project. When you can document success, you are more likely to be

able to work on other school wellness issues.

Gather StoriesGather real life success stories from other schools or districts

that have tackled a similar issue. This is a highly effective tool for

gaining support from your target audience. Just talking about

the importance of change is one thing, but showing that it can

be accomplished with a positive outcome will add weight to your

message of needed change. Look at the “Share Your Success Story”

section or visit www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org to see what

other schools have accomplished.

Developing a Compelling MessageConnect with Your Target AudiencePlanning is everything. Keep in mind your target audience and your

goal when developing the primary message you wish to present to

them. If possible, pre-test your message and key points with a few

members of the target audience to make sure it works. Note their

opinions and suggestions and make appropriate changes to your

presentation. Remember, it is important to think like the people

you wish to influence, not those who are already on your side.

Don’t Forget to “Ask”Make sure your message includes an “ask,” which is an action step

or task that you want your target audience to do. Perhaps it is to

call or talk with someone regarding your project. Then follow up

with them later to get feedback.


“Keep in mind your

target audience

and your goal when

developing the

primary message

you wish to

present to them.”


Use Multiple TacticsUse a variety of methods to get your message across. Write letters

to decision makers, post flyers, write a “letter to the editor” for the

local newspaper, hold a public meeting and activate a phone tree.

Look for communication avenues like PTA newsletters and school

TV channels to share your messages. These are just a few ideas to

get you started and are great ways to get your message out to your

target audience.

Moving On and Next StepsFind a SpokespersonThis is an effective way to get your message out. It does not have

to be someone famous, just someone with an interest and a passion

for your health message. Make sure that whomever you use is

credible, has good communication skills and has the ability to have

an impact on your target audience.

Identify Like-Minded AdvocatesTalk with people outside of your organization who share or

support your wellness efforts. Engage local community based

organizations and let them know what you are trying to do. These

partnerships can provide valuable feedback that will help you

influence your target audience. They can also provide a valuable

means of disseminating pertinent information. The more diverse

your voice, the more powerful your message. Just be careful to

remain focused on your original goal and try not to stray into other

areas. Your local PTA or parent group has a strong voice. Tap into

these members to continue to carry your message forward.

Build a BudgetYou can apply for grants, talk to school and community

organizations or use healthy fundraisers to build your funds. Once

you have funds available, be sure to develop a realistic budget.

Spend your funds wisely and remember to allocate some funds for

your long-term follow-through. Your budget consists of time and

money; consider both of these when establishing your goals.

Overcoming BarriersLack of SupportIf you are having trouble getting support from parents,

administrators, teachers, etc. do not get discouraged! Try offering

free events to raise awareness. Bring in professionals who can share

the facts and show the benefits of improving wellness practices.

Look for supporters in roles that align with your message (i.e.

nurses, dietitians, coaches, etc.).



Lack of ResourcesA lack of resources typically comes in one of two forms, either

time or money. Many efforts to make change fail simply because

not enough was invested in them in terms of time. Allowing the

time needed for new programs to demonstrate results is often

overlooked as an important factor. When it comes to funding, many

wellness projects can be implemented with little or no money. Or

try shifting existing funds from unhealthy choices to healthier

options. For example, encourage the school store to reallocate

their money from stocking the shelves with candy to purchasing

healthier snack options.

Multiple BarriersAddress one barrier at a time starting with the easiest. Coordinating

health efforts at schools is a process and takes time. When there

seems to be only a few people interested in wellness, it is easy to

become overwhelmed. It is important to get a grassroots swelling

of support, not just from parents, but teachers, secretaries, all

school staff and students as well. Ideally, each school building will

have a team of interested individuals who meet regularly to plan

and assess wellness efforts.

Evaluate and CelebrateEvaluate OftenTake time to evaluate the progress you have made, and if necessary,

make changes to your tactics or action steps. Stay focused on

the goal of improved health of your school children. Successful

grassroots campaigns are not a short term effort and may take

months or more to accomplish. Keep your goals in mind and assess

your progress often.

Celebrate Your Success!Do not hesitate to celebrate your accomplishments! It will motivate

your parent advocates, encourage future involvement and show

your target audience that you can be successful. When you approach

your target audience again with a new concern to address, they

will be willing to listen.

Resources to Help Parent AdvocatingNational Parent Teacher Association: The largest child advocacy

organization in the nation. “Healthy Lifestyles at Home and School”

www.pta.org

Action for Healthy Kids

“Parents Advocating for School Wellness Toolkit”

www.ActionforHealthyKids.org/community_Partnerships.php


“Stay focused on

the goal of improved

health of your school

children. Positive

change takes time

and dedication.”


School Environment: What You Need to Know21 Tips for Working with Schools

23 School Environment Flow Chart

25 School Nutrition Environment

27 Competitive Foods

31 Physical Education Programs

32 School Policies

Section 3


Tips for Working with Schools

Schools are faced with many regulations and challenges. As

you begin working with schools it is important to have an

awareness of the processes involved. It is also important to have

an understanding of how schools work, the role of various staff

members and how best to include them in your endeavor to enhance

the nutrition and physical activity environment of the school. At

some point, you may be working with the School Principal, School

Food Service Department, Physical Education Department and/or

the Before or After School Staff. Developing a good relationship is

a must to accomplish your goals. Consider these points to foster a

good working relationship with individuals in your school.

The School PrincipalOffer to volunteer at the school when and where needed.•Learn about the principal’s school philosophy, their vision for •the school and what they consider high priority issues.

If you have a concern, state it in a positive manner and offer •possible solutions.

Make an appointment with the principal to discuss your ideas. •Try to support your parent group project with one of the

principal’s priority areas. Offer research and success stories

from other school districts.

The School Food Service DepartmentStart with a visit to your child’s cafeteria to see what is offered.•Review the information in the “School Nutrition •Environment” section.

To learn the facts about the School Food Service Department, •it is best to talk with the School Food Service Director

directly. They can tell you the specifics on how foods are

prepared and served.

If you have a concern, state it in a positive manner. Make sure •they know you are interested in working WITH them to find

solutions that benefit everyone.

Ask how you might help promote fresh fruit, vegetables, milk •and whole grains in the cafeteria. Show your support by

listening, researching and then offering suggestions. Working

together will increase opportunities for you to positively

influence the nutrition environment of your child’s school.

The Physical Education DepartmentKeep in mind the PE Department has standards and goals to •meet, just like other academic areas in the school.

3Tips for W

orking with Schools“As you begin to

work with schools it

will be important to

have an awareness

of the processes

involved.”


The best way to work with your PE department is to volunteer •with special events. This is the easiest way to get to know the

PE instructor, learn about what is going on and show you are

interested in the physical fitness of the students.

Discuss the possibility of incorporating one of the P.A.R.E.N.T •activities, such as a walking/jogging segment into the

curriculum.

Express the interest of the parent group or PTA to help with •this project, event or curriculum.

Before and After School ProgramsBefore and after school programs often need volunteer help •from parents.

Work with the before or after school coordinator to identify •areas in which parents can help. The coordinator may develop

a parent leadership group to help inform and train other

parent volunteers.

Be specific about what kind of help is needed and the role •parents can play. For example, parents could assist the after

school instructor with overseeing homework one hour a week

or assist with outdoor play.

3Tips for W

orking with Schools


School Environment Flow Chart

As you work with schools, it is helpful to understand the school

environment structure. Knowing this background before

you pursue a project in your school will help you understand the

dynamics of the school environment and be better prepared when

you approach school leaders. School environment structure varies

by district. The school structure will vary from school to school so we

encourage your parent group to request a hierarchical flowchart

from your school or research it on the internet. Below is an example

of a school environment structure.

3School Environment Flow Chart

The following provides a description for each title:

School Board: Oversees public schools and ensures they are

in compliance with constitutional responsibilities.

Superintendent: Oversees and enhances educational

programs, implements rules, regulations, policies and procedures

and increases student achievement.

School Improvement Teams: These are formal committees

composed of community members and parents who advise the

school district (name may vary by district).

District Administrators: Administrators oversee specific

areas such as: curriculum and instruction development, student

services, special needs, English language learners, athletics,

transportation, federal programs, testing and assessment, finances, etc.


School Principal: Oversees school operations, providing staff

with necessary skills to fulfill educational goals, and ensures

the rules, regulations, policies and procedures are enforced and

fulfilled.

Assistant Principal: Assists the school principal in

overseeing school operations, providing staff with necessary

skills to fulfill educational goals, and ensuring the rules,

regulations, policies and procedures are enforced and fulfilled.

Parent Advisory Committee(s): Advises the school

principal in student matters and educational needs.

Standing Parent Committees and/or Ad Hoc Committees: Committee roles will vary; some committees are

responsible for representing the student body and others represent

parent and student interests. Committees may consist of Parent-

Teacher Associations (PTA), other parent groups and English-

Language Acquisition Parent Advisory Councils (ELA PAC).

Teachers: Assist students in gaining the necessary skills

to be successful in life, such as social-emotional and cognitive

development.

School Support Staff: Provides student support services,

such as, counseling, case management and psychological

assistance.

Your parent group will want to familiarize themselves with the

school nutrition and physical education (PE) environment in order

to be adequately prepared before approaching school leaders about

a specific project.

3School Environment Flow Chart


School Nutrition Environment

The school nutrition environment at your school often includes

several nutrition programs that are governed by the United

States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA sets the

regulations for the school nutrition programs that operate at your

school. Participating schools receive cash and food commodity

support or reimbursement for each meal they serve, and in turn,

they serve meals that meet certain dietary regulations set by the

USDA. The nutrition environment is very complex because of the

regulatory constraints that govern them. As a parent, before you

decide this is an area you want to work on, it is very important for

you to learn as much as possible about how the programs operate

and the regulatory restraints that govern them.

National School Lunch and Breakfast ProgramsThe National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs are

administered by the USDA and the Ohio Department of Education.

Schools who participate in one of the school meal programs offered

by the USDA are required by law to meet specific nutritional

standards and offer free or reduced-price lunches to eligible

children. In turn, schools receive cash subsidies and donated

commodity foods. School nutrition staff face many challenges as

they strive to serve nutritionally sound meals that meet federal

requirements and are acceptable to children. Many districts work

under tight budget constraints that create a challenge to serve

quality meals that are cost effective.

Nutritional RequirementsIn 1995 the USDA launched the School Meals Initiative for Healthy

Children with the goal to improve the nutritional quality of

meals served at schools. The initiative requires school meals to

be consistent with current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and

provide:

no more than 30% of calories from fat•no more than 10% of calories from saturated fat•one-third of a child’s daily calorie needs and key •nutrients for lunch

one-fourth of a child’s daily key nutrient and calorie needs •for breakfast

Knowing the Facts Meals served as part of the school meal program are age-appropriate

serving sizes. This is one of the last places children can get a meal

3School Nutrition Environment


that is not super-sized! Children who participate in the National

School Lunch Program also consume more servings of fruits and

vegetables and greater amount of grains and dairy than children

who eat lunch brought from home.1

How Schools Decide What to Serve Their StudentsThe federal government requires that school meals contain

certain food components and specific portion sizes. Local schools

make decisions about specific foods to serve and how they are

prepared. Cultural and regional preferences play a role in what

foods are served. Many nutrition professionals work with student

focus groups and/or survey students to determine what foods are

acceptable. District size may also determine decisions related to

menu choices. Larger school districts may have a set menu that all

schools follow while smaller schools may make menu decisions at

the building level. It is best to contact the individual responsible

for menu planning to start a constructive dialogue.

To find more information about the USDA meal programs contact:

Children’s Hunger Alliance

www.ChildrensHungerAlliance.org

Ohio Department of Education

http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/

ODEPrimary.aspx?Page=2&TopicID=763&TopicRelationID=828

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

www.fns.usda.gov

3School Nutrition Environment


Competitive Foods

What Are Competitive Foods?

Competitive foods are all foods and beverages offered or sold

at school that are not part of the USDA school meal program.

Competitive foods are often sold to help school nutrition programs

generate enough revenue to pay for staff, food and equipment.

What Are the Two Main Types of Competitive Foods?1. Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value are categorized in the

regulations for the National School Lunch Program. Currently, the

Federal government does not allow these food items to be sold in

the school cafeteria service area during the school meal periods.

Examples of FMNV include soda water, chewing gum, water ices,

hard candy, jellies and gums, marshmallow candies, fondant,

licorice, spun candy and candy coated popcorn.

2. Other Foods and Beverages Available for Individual Sale Regulations do not prohibit the sale of these foods at any time

during the school day anywhere on the school campus, including

the school cafeteria service areas. Below are some examples of

foods available for individual sale.

A La Carte ItemsIn addition to offering meals to students, many school nutrition

programs sell other foods and beverages as a la carte. The items

selected for a la carte sale are chosen and purchased by the food

service department. Income from the sale of these items is an

additional source of revenue for the school nutrition program.

Vending Machine Items and/or Snack BarsVending machines and snack bars may be located in the school

cafeteria service area. However, if they contain FMNV they must

be turned off during the time school meals are served. This does

not apply to vending machines outside of the school cafeteria

service area.

School Store Foods and SnacksGenerally, these are located outside of the school cafeteria service

area. Sales from these foods and beverages usually benefit the

other school activities.

3Competitive Foods

“Competitive foods

are any available

foods offered at

school other than

those offered through

the USDA school

meal program.”


Second Servings of School MealsSecond servings of food items on the school meal line are considered

outside of the regulated USDA school meal pattern, so therefore

they are considered “competitive foods.”

Note: Many states have created regulations and guidelines that go

beyond the federal requirements.

Why Do Schools Sell Competitive Foods?1. Support for School Meal Programs - Most school meal

programs are required to be self supported, without any financial

support from the school district. Competitive foods help schools

remain financially solvent.

2. Increased Financial Demands - Profits are used by the school

in times of budget cuts to support programs such as athletics,

educational programs, etc.

3. “Pouring Rights” Contracts - Many schools have contracts with

popular soft drink companies, who are willing to give higher

payments for higher sales, leading to an increase in promoting

soft drink consumption.

4. Student Preferences - Students come to school with established

preferences for fast food, salty snacks and sweetened beverages.

The School Health Policy and Program Study, 2006 found that:

32% of elementary schools, 71% of middle schools and 89% of •high schools have vending machines, school stores, canteen

or snack bars where students can purchase snack foods or

beverages.2

12.9% of elementary schools, 25% of middle schools and 48% •of high schools allow students to purchase snack foods and

beverages high in fat, sodium or added sugars from a vending

machine or in a school store, canteen or snack bar during

lunch periods.2

18% of states and 17% of districts require that schools make •healthy beverages such as bottled water or low-fat milk

available to students whenever beverages are offered or sold.

from 2000 to 2006, states that prohibit schools from offering •junk foods in vending machines increased from 8% to 32%.2

3Competitive Foods


Competitive Food Standards in Wellness PoliciesAll schools participating in the National School Lunch Program

are required by law to implement a School Wellness Policy. School

Wellness Policies consist of five key components: setting nutrition

education goals, setting physical activity goals, establishing

nutrition standards for all foods available on school campus

during the school day, setting goals for other school-based

activities designed to promote student wellness and setting goals

for measurement and evaluation.

Many states and national groups have created nutrition

standards for competitive foods. There are several options that

schools can choose from to use as nutrition standards for snack

foods and beverages. Schools considering adopting nutrition

standards for foods and beverages must keep in mind student

preferences, nutritional quality and maintaining revenue needed

for the operation of the school nutrition program or other school

activities.

Actions Schools Can Take to Enhance the Nutrition Environment:

Develop nutrition standards that are consistent with the •Dietary Guidelines for Americans considering nutrients to

avoid, as well as those nutrients students need more of in their

diets.

Strive to provide a nutrition environment conducive to •healthful eating behaviors.

Ensure that all school meals meet the Dietary Guidelines for •Americans.

Consider cultural and regional food preferences when •planning school meals.

Resources for Nutrition StandardsSchool Nutrition Association: National Nutrition Standards and

Recommendations

www.schoolnutrition.org/uploadedFiles/School_Nutrition/16_

LegislativeAction/SNA_National_Nutrition_Standards.pdf

Institute of Medicine: Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools:

Leading the Way toward Healthier Youth

www.iom.edu/CMS/3788/30181/42502.aspx

Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System

www.snackwise.org

“All schools that

participate in the

National School

Lunch Program are

required by law to

implement a School

Wellness Policy.”3

Competitive Foods



www.ActionforHealthyKids.org

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

www.healthiergeneration.org

References1 Fox, M.K., Crepinsek, M., Connor, P., Battaglia, M. School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study–II: Summary of Findings. Available at www.fns.usda.gov/oane/MENU/Published/CNP/FILES/SNDAIIfind.pdf (Accessed 06/11/ 03).

2 School Health Policies and Programs Study, 2006, Journal of School Health, Volume 77, Number 8, October 2007.

3Competitive Foods


Physical Education Programs

What Constitutes a Quality Physical Education Program?

Q uality physical education programs are important because

they offer learning experiences that meet the developmental

needs of youngsters. They help improve a child’s mental alertness,

readiness to learn, enthusiasm for learning and their academic

performance.

According to the National Association for Sport and Physical

Education, a high quality physical education program includes the

following components: opportunity to learn, meaningful content

and appropriate instruction.

Opportunity to LearnInstructional periods totaling 150 minutes per week •(elementary) and 225 minutes per week (middle and

secondary school).

Qualified physical education specialist providing a •developmentally appropriate program.

Adequate equipment and facilities.•

Meaningful ContentInstruction in a variety of motor skills that are designed •to enhance the physical, mental and social/emotional

development of every child.

Fitness education and assessment to help children understand, •improve and/or maintain their physical well-being.

Development of cognitive concepts about motor skills and •fitness.

Opportunities to improve their emerging social and •cooperative skills and gain a multi-cultural perspective.

Promotion of regular amounts of appropriate physical activity •now and throughout life.

Appropriate InstructionFull inclusion of all students.•Maximum practice opportunities for class activities.•Well-designed lessons that facilitate student learning.•Out-of-school assignments that support learning and practice.•No physical activity for punishment.•Regular assessment to monitor and reinforce student learning.•

3Physical Education Programs and Policies


School Policies

Schools play an important role in ensuring that students’

eating habits and access to physical activity contribute to

their learning achievement and lifelong good health. Teachers,

parents, and other members of the community hold the power to

create positive changes within local school systems everyday.

Whether altering an existing policy or creating an entirely new

policy, concerned individuals have the right and ability to create

positive changes for the children of Ohio. The first step in creating

positive change is to understand what a policy is and how it is

implemented.

What is a Policy? Policies are official statements of vision and judgment that address

the needs of a school district or classroom. Polices generally

address the following questions:

What are the desired changes?•Why should these changes be considered?•Who will be responsible for implementing the new changes?•

Policies can help frame a school’s convictions, values and beliefs

and provide the necessary leadership, direction, and commitment

to accomplish specific goals to positively influence the school

environment. Below is a sample School Board Policy from the

California State Board of Education.

3School Policies

“The first step

in creating positive

change is to

understand what a

policy is and how it

is implemented.”

Nutritional Quality of “Food and Beverage Sales on School Campuses” by the Child Nutrition Advisory CouncilThe California State Board of Education believes that (1)

nutritional status of children helps determine the overall

quality of their health and ability to learn; (2) schools play an

influential role in the development of lifelong eating habits;

and (3) appropriate training of school district personnel in

nutrition education activities is essential.

The State of Education, therefore, recommends that:

1. Local school districts and county offices provide

nutrition education as a part of a comprehensive health

program.

2. Local school districts and county offices integrate the

child nutrition program into the nutrition education


School Wellness PoliciesUnderstanding and Getting Involved with Your School’s Wellness PolicyThe Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 required

all local school districts participating in the National School Lunch

Program to have a School District Wellness Policy in place by July

1, 2006.

School Wellness Policies consist of five key components:

Nutrition and Physical Education Goals – These address •nutrition and PE curriculum and educational activities in and

outside of the classroom.

Physical Activity Goals – This section includes providing •ample opportunities for students to engage in physical

activity throughout the school day. This may include before or

after school activity clubs, classroom physical activity breaks

and set schedules for recess.

Nutrition Standards – This includes nutrition standards or •recommendations for all foods available on the school campus

during the school day. This may include vending, school

stores, concessions, etc.

Goals for Other School Based Activities – This goal addresses •any other activity designed to promote student wellness.

Measurement and Evaluation – The wellness policy should •state how and when the goals are reviewed to evaluate success

and note whether changes need to be made to improve the

health and wellness of the students.

The law requires that the Wellness Policies be developed and

implemented by “local parents, teachers, administrators, school

food service, school boards and the public.” Many schools also

include students and school nurses in this list. The law clearly

articulates that the Wellness Policies are to be developed locally

and not imposed on school districts by the government.

component of the district’s comprehensive health

education curriculum.

3. Local school districts and county offices develop a plan

for the training of all personnel associated with the

child nutrition program.

4. Local school districts and county offices provide health,

nutrition, and food service education and training to

their food service personnel consistent with the Health

Education Framework.

3School Policies


What Can Parents Do?There are targeted areas at your school where parents can help to

implement Wellness Policies and support education, healthy eating

and physical activity.

Do a Status CheckMake sure you know the status of your school environment. Visit the

school, talk with the principal and staff, and work with your PTA.

Get in the Loop Find out who is currently working on the Wellness Policy through

your local education agency. Are they reaching out to parents, as

required by law? Is there an opportunity for parents to get involved

in the planning process?

Be an AdvocateActively support wellness causes and programs in your school. Stay

up-to-date on events and issues that come up in your community.

The better informed you are, the better you will be able to advocate

on behalf of the causes that are important to you.

Build SupportWhile policies are being developed at the district level, work with

your PTA to develop a wellness committee for your own school.

Get parents, teachers, the principal, students, administrators, food

service personnel, a dietitian and the school nurse to work together

to find ways for improving school health.

Spread the Word Make sure parents, friends, and neighbors know all about the

exciting new opportunity to create healthier learning environments

for Ohio’s children.

Some Final Considerations Regarding School PoliciesRespect School LeadersInvolve local school leaders through the process including policy

development and other program initiatives being planned.

Set Clear GoalsSet goals according to the best interest of the children. You may

need to find an acceptable balance among competing objectives.

3School Policies


Compromise Does Not Mean DefeatYou may need to begin a project as a small pilot program instead

of a district wide policy. View compromise as a partial victory that

lays a foundation for future efforts.

Be Persistent Your efforts will probably take more time and effort than expected.

Be patient, yet persistent.

Sustain the EffortDo a periodic check to note how well the policy is being managed

and enforced. Help ensure that evaluation and feedback processes

are built into the policy and work smoothly.

Section 6 of the Parent Toolkit describes how your parent group

can develop and implement a School Wellness Policy.

3School Policies


School Health Environment Assessment37 Conduct a Needs Assessment

38 Assessment Resources

40 Key Assessment Questions

Section 4


Conduct a Needs Assessment

The first step for your parent group is to identify areas of the

school environment that could be improved. In this section

you will find a sample assessment survey, as well as information

about other surveys you may wish to utilize.

How Healthy is Your School? As you conduct a school assessment, you may find your school

excels in certain areas but is surprisingly lacking in others. Some

projects may not be appropriate for your school, given its particular

financial situation, geography or demographics. But even making

small changes as a result of what you find through the survey may

not be as difficult as you imagine. Small changes will go a long

way toward promoting the student body’s health and wellness.

Use the survey located in this section as a tool to get a quick idea of

how successful your school is in supporting student nutrition and

physical activity.

1. Ask different group members to volunteer to complete different

sections of this survey. They will be responsible for finding out the

answers to questions by approaching the principal, school food

service staff and/or the physical education staff (review the section

on “Tips for Working with Schools”). They will also want to talk

with students and take a look at the school environment. Have the

group members mark each question with a yes or no and write any

relevant notes.

2. Have your members reconvene to discuss results and to make

plans for action.

3. Act on your findings. If the survey reveals areas in which your

school can make improvements, use the “P.A.R.E.N.T. Process”

section of the toolkit to find the action steps needed to create

positive changes.

4Conduct a Needs Assessment

“Small changes

will go a long way

toward promoting

the student body’s

health and wellness.”


Assessment Resources

1. School Health Index

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed

the School Health Index (SHI) to be used by schools as an

assessment tool to improve school health policies and programs.

For an in-depth assessment of the school wellness environment the

school health team may choose to use the SHI as an assessment

tool. The SHI tool evaluates eight different areas of the school

environment. Many schools in Ohio may have completed various

sections of this assessment. Contact your School Wellness Policy

coordinator or school health team to find out if the SHI was

completed, which sections of the SHI were addressed and the school

year in which it was performed.

To obtain a free copy of the SHI and a detailed self-assessment

form, use one of the following options:

Download from CDC website: •https://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/shi/Static/paper.aspx;

Request by email: [email protected];•Call the CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health •Resource Room: 770-488-3168; or,

Request by toll-free fax: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).•

When ordering, please specify either elementary school version or

the middle school/high school version.

2. Nutrition Environment The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed

“Changing the Scene,” a kit to assist in taking action to improve

the school nutrition environment. The kit contains a wealth of

information including criteria for success, ideas for getting

activities started, handouts and success stories.

To obtain a copy of the Changing the Scene kit, visit the USDA

Team Nutrition Home Page to download or email an order form:

www.fns.usda.gov/tn. When ordering, please specify the school

name and address where you will be using the kit.

3. Buckeye Best Healthy School AwardOhio schools can participate in the Buckeye Best Healthy School

Awards Program. This program is designed to recognize schools

4Assessment Resources


whose policies and practices reflect a high priority placed on

healthy outcomes for children. The program is sponsored by the

Ohio Department of Health in partnership with the American

Cancer Society – Ohio Division and is part of the Healthy Ohio,

Healthy Communities campaign of the Ohio Department of Health.

The Buckeye Best Healthy School Awards Program accepts school

applications and ranks the schools based on their progress to

achieve a ‘gold’ standard benchmark in the areas of tobacco,

nutrition and physical activity.

Why Should a School Apply for this Award?Schools play an important role in the lives of children. Health and

academic performance are directly linked. Schools which convey

positive, healthy messages will have a student population that

is healthy, ready to learn and more likely to achieve academic

excellence.

If your school adheres to the standards of a healthy school, you

are eligible to be recognized as one of Ohio’s Buckeye Best. Why

not join the 1000 schools across Ohio who have come forward and

received recognition for their efforts in establishing a healthy

school environment?

How Does a School Apply for the Buckeye Best Award? The application is comprised of health questions specific to three

areas: tobacco, nutrition and physical education. The questions

are based on the Healthy Nutrition 2010 Objectives. It is strongly

recommended that the application be completed by a team of

school personnel in each school building who have expertise in

the three targeted areas. Each year applications are available from

the Ohio Department of Health and are submitted in January. An

interdisciplinary team of school health professionals score each

application.

School RecognitionSchools which show exemplary programs and policies will be

ranked into one of these categories: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. The

gold award winners will receive a Buckeye Best Healthy School

flag which can fly outside the school building displaying a clear

message to all that your school places a high priority on healthy

learners.

For more information, contact Ohio Department of Health, School

and Adolescent Health Section at 614-466-6039.

“Schools which

convey positive,

healthy messages

will have a student

population that

is healthy, ready

to learn and

more likely to

achieve academic

excellence.”

4Assessment Resources


Key Assessment Questions

Part 1: Nutrition1. Is nutrition education part of the school curriculum?

Yes No

2. Does your school participate in the National School Lunch,

School Breakfast and/or Afterschool Snack Programs?

Yes No

3. Do students in your school have enough time to eat (i.e. at least

20 minutes for breakfast and at least 30 minutes for lunch)?

Are the food lines efficient enough to allow students adequate

eating time?

Yes No

4. Are the vending machines on campus stocked with only

healthy beverage or snack items (i.e. milk/dairy, bottled water,

100% juice, and low-fat snacks)?

Yes No

5. Are healthy snacks served at PTA events, in the classroom and

at school parties?

Yes No

6. Do students generally like the food offered at school?

Yes No

7. Are only nutritious foods used as fundraiser items?

Yes No

Note: If you answered “No” to any of these questions, refer to the “Follow

the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process” section of this toolkit for an explanation of

different projects you can select to make change in the area of nutrition in

the school environment.

Part II: Physical Education and Activity 1. Do all students participate in daily physical activity at school

(including recess and at least 30 minutes a day of physical

education)?

Yes No

2. If physical education is available, do the classes teach skills

and behaviors promoting lifelong fitness (as opposed to

competitive sports only)?

Yes No

4Key Assessment Questions


3. Are school recreational facilities adequate (e.g. upkeep of gym

equipment and grounds)? Are there no safety concerns?

Yes No

4. Are school recreational facilities (e.g. gymnasium, pool, fields,

and tennis and basketball courts) available for use by students

before and after school hours?

Yes No

5. Are students taught the importance of physical activity for

health maintenance?

Yes No

6. Are teachers encouraged to incorporate fitness breaks or

physical activity to reinforce classroom learning?

Yes No

7. Is recess available to all students, including those who are

being disciplined?

Yes No

8. Is physical activity encouraged before or after school (walk/

bike to school, active after-school programming)?

Yes No

Note: If you answered “No” to any of these questions, refer to the

“P.A.R.E.N.T. Process” section of this toolkit for an explanation

of different projects you can select to make change in the area of

physical activity/physical education in the school environment.

Developed from information and resources from www.pta.org and

www.parentsaction.org.

4Key Assessment Questions


Evaluation 43 Evaluation

47 Share Your Success Story

49 Mini-Grant Success Stories from Zone Teams

Section 5


Evaluation

Evaluation is the careful collection of information which you

use to assess your program. You can then use the assessment

to make the best decisions about the direction of your program.

There are many good reasons as to why it is important to evaluate

your program. Many people believe evaluation is about proving

that your program was a success and nothing more needs to be

done, but it is much more than that. A proper evaluation provides

continuous feedback that allows you to adjust your program and

improve efforts to promote health and development at any level. As

time goes on and you are able to demonstrate that your efforts are

making a difference, it will also help to:

• enlistandmotivateyourvolunteers

• attractnewcollaborators

• gathersupportforotherprojects

• retainorencouragefunding

• gaincommunitysupportandrecognition

• strengthentheexistingprogram

Your project or program contains several important components:

1. INPUTS are the resources put into or consumed by the

program. They will include money, volunteer time, facilities

and/or supplies.

2. ACTIVITIES are what the program does with the inputs to

reach your goal such as increase breakfast participation or

start a walking club.

3. OUTPUTS are the direct number of products or program

activities such as the number of materials distributed, number

of events or number of people served.

4. OUTCOMES are the important results. They are the benefits

or changes affecting the participants after they are in your

program. This can include increased knowledge, a change of

attitude or behavior, increased skills or an improved condition.

Your program evaluation plan depends on which of the components

above you want to focus on and what information you need to know

in order to adjust your efforts. Do you want to know whether the

program met your activity goal, how many students participated or

if your students were impacted by the program? The more focused

you are about what you want to know, or what your stakeholders

want to know, the more efficient you will be with your evaluation.

5Evaluation

“A proper

evaluation provides

continuous feedback

that allows you to

adjust your program

and improve efforts

to promote health

and development

at any level.”


Goal Based EvaluationGoal Based Evaluations look at the specific goals that are

described in the original action plan. Goal Based Evaluations

look at the extent the program met the predetermined goal and

the process involved in accomplishing the goal. Questions you

may ask in the evaluation include:

Was the goal achieved?•Were there adequate resources to reach the goal?•Was the timeline sufficient or should the timeline be changed?•

Collecting and recording information on the steps you took

to create and implement your project is a way to evaluate your

progress. Ongoing feedback can help to improve your efforts and

will guide any necessary adjustment for policies, projects or other

interventions. It can show you where changes need to be made and

can help others who may want to follow in your footsteps or lead

their own wellness project.

Process Based EvaluationLooking at outputs is a Process Based Evaluation. Outputs can be a

number focused evaluation which counts materials or participants.

Or, this evaluation can be geared to understanding how the program

works, what you are putting into it and what you are getting out.

These are particularly valuable for long standing programs that

have changed or where participants report increasing complaints

about the program. Questions to consider include:

How do participants decide the program is something they •want to do?

How do they come to the program?•Is there a process the participants must go through?•What do participants and/or staff feel are the strengths and •weaknesses of the program?

What are the common complaints about the program and how •would they recommend improving the program?

Outcome Based EvaluationLastly, Outcome Based Evaluation looks at the benefits to the

participants from going through the program. They most often are

discussed in terms of increased learning, knowledge, perceptions,

attitudes or skills. Outcomes are often confused with program

outputs. Outputs are units of service, numbers of items or number

of participants who went through the program. Outcomes are

5Evaluation


the impact your program had on the participants. This type of

evaluation holds the group accountable to the administration, the

community and/or the funding agency. It demonstrates the true

impact of your program and that real change was the result. To

decide what type of evaluation you will do, ask yourself some key

questions:

1. What is the purpose of the evaluation? What do you want to

know as a result of the evaluation?

2. Who will receive the results of the evaluation: the group, the

administration, the school board, or funders?

3. What information do the stakeholders want to know:

achievement of the goal, an improved program, behavior

changes, increased community support?

4. What kind of information is needed to make the decisions

you need to make about the program: information about the

process of the program, information about the number of

participants or students who experienced the program, or how

the program benefited the students?

5. From what sources should the information be collected: staff,

students, parents, program documentation?

6. How can the information be collected: questionnaires,

interviews, observations, focus groups or available

documentation?

7. What resources are available to collect the information?

8. When is the information needed?

When it comes to the information you need to collect for your

evaluation, there are a variety of methods available. The following

is a listing of the major methods used in collecting data during an

evaluation.

Records can give comprehensive information and usually already

exist. It may take time to go through records but they will give

general, unbiased information. Examples of available records

include:

absenteeism•participation in voluntary programs•use of fitness facilities or health services•proficiency exam scores•phone call logs•physical measures such as blood pressure, cholesterol, •strength, flexibility, etc.

documents such as written policy, curriculum content, •medical or police records

5Evaluation


Observations are used to gather information about how a program

operates or to gather behavioral information. It often takes time

to do this and interpreting behaviors can be complex. Examples

of observations include: behaviors such as food choices, amount

of time spent in activity, conflict avoidance, activity choices,

spoken educational messages or smoking. You can also look at

environmental observations which include educational messages

in audio or posters, cleanliness, hazards, etc.

Questionnaires/surveys can give a lot of information quickly in a

non-threatening way. They are inexpensive and easy to administer,

however they can be biased and might not give you the full story.

Examples include voting and “paper and pencil” surveys.

Interviews can give you a full understanding of someone’s

experience or impressions about your program but take time to

perform and can be costly. Examples include face to face surveys,

phone interviews, focus groups and community forums.

Finally, do not balk at evaluation because it seems too hard or a

lot of work. It is relatively easy, and you and your group need to

review your progress frequently to recognize your strengths and

areas that may need improvement. The evaluation plan does not

have to be perfect. It is important to do some type of evaluation

even if it shows weaknesses. You will learn a great deal about your

program by understanding the failures as well as the successes.

And if necessary, make adjustments to your plan of action as you

move toward your ultimate goal.

5Evaluation


Share Your Success Story!

Congratulations! You have officially made a positive difference

in the lives of your local youth. Thanks to your efforts, the

nation is one step closer to defeating the childhood obesity epidemic

and other rising health concerns. Now you are ready to publicly

share your success story and motivate others to make positive

health changes within their local communities.

ResourcesOhio Action for Healthy Kids - Share Your Success Stories!Ohio Action for Healthy Kids is anxious to hear about the successes

in your school. Any change or improvement your school has made

with regard to nutrition and physical activity is considered a

success. By sharing your stories, you may inspire others to adopt

your best practices in their schools. There is no limit to the number

of success stories that your school can submit. In fact, we encourage

you to submit as many success stories as you would like.

Click on the link below to download the form for submission.

Remember to fill out a separate form for each success story. Please

send your forms or any questions to Jan Meyer at

[email protected].

www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org/success_stories/

Telling Your Story: Getting Others to Hear About Your SuccessThe “Telling Your Story” media toolkit was developed by the

American Heart Association in conjunction with Ohio Action for

Healthy Kids. This toolkit can help your parent group incorporate

media advocacy into their local action plan by discussing the

meaning of media advocacy, providing background tips for working

with the media, and providing tools and resources for conducting

effective local media advisory activities. Access the “Team Member

Center” and then the “Tools for Teams” section of the website:

www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org/state_team/documents/

telling_your_story_media_advocacy_toolkit.pdf

Changing the Scene - Improving the School Nutrition EnvironmentThis toolkit addresses the entire school nutrition environment

including: a commitment to nutrition and physical activity,

pleasant eating experiences, quality school meals, other healthy

food options, nutrition education and marketing your program to

5Share Your Success Story!

“Any change or

improvement that

your school has

made with regard

to nutrition and

physical activity

is considered

a success.”


the public. This kit can help local people take action to improve

their school’s nutrition environment. The kit includes a variety of

tools for use at the local level to raise awareness and address school

environment issues that influence students’ eating and physical

activity practices. You will also find sample letters, sample scripts

and tips on how to share your story.

www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Resources/changing.html

Work Group on Health Promotion and Community DevelopmentThe Work Group on Health Promotion and Community Development

at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, developed and

maintains the Community Tool Box at http://ctb.ku.edu/index.jsp.

The Tool Box provides over 7,000 pages of practical information

to support your work in promoting community health and

development.

The core of the Tool Box is the “topic sections” that include practical

guidance for the different tasks necessary to promote community

health and development. For instance, there are sections on

leadership, strategic planning, community assessment, grant

writing, and evaluation. Each section includes a description of the

task, advantages of doing it, step-by-step guidelines, examples,

checklists of points to review and training materials.

http://ctb.ku.edu/en/

5Share Your Success Story!


Mini-Grant Success Stories from Zone Teams

IntroductionEvery year Ohio Action for Healthy Kids offers mini-grants to

schools to support projects that advance school wellness policies.

The purpose of the mini-grants is to improve the physical activity

and nutrition behaviors of students and staff through education,

policy and/or environmental changes. The primary audience is

students in grades K-12. However, mini-grants may be used for

activities to engage parents and staff as role models.

Mini-grant projects address one or more of the OAFHK goals

listed below:

Expand participation and/or access to school breakfast.•Improve the nutrition environment through policy, education •and/or activities at school.

Increase opportunities for students to be involved in physical •activity at school.

The following stories share some of the outcomes from mini-grant

programs as well as other success stories from schools around

that state. If your school has made positive changes in the area

of school wellness we would love to hear your story. Please visit

www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org for more information on how

to apply for a mini-grant or to submit your success story.

School Breakfast Program (SBP)Riverside Local Schools (Zone 4)Description of Program: Riverside Local Schools used their

mini-grant to provide a one-day universal breakfast at Buckeye

Elementary School on March 6, 2008. The project reached over

200 children. Normal breakfast participation is 50 students per

day. Through staff promotion and encouragement, 230 students

(a 460% increase) ate breakfast on March 6th. It is the goal of

Kelly Minnick, Foodservice Director, to continue the students’

participation in this program for the remainder of the school year.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 230 students

Mini-Grant Funds: $250

Arlington Elementary School (Zone 1)Description of Program: Arlington Elementary implemented

a breakfast promotion activity to encourage its students to

take part in the breakfast program. A friendly competition

5Mini-Grant Success Stories


between the classrooms in the K-6 school began. During daily

announcements, the winning classroom was identified. Weekly

incentives were provided and a grand prize was awarded to the

winning classroom.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 522 students, 36 teachers

Mini-Grant Fund: $600

Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center (Zone 5)Description of Program: Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology

Center used the mini-grant to begin a successful SBP, “Step Up to

the Plate for Breakfast.” The goal was to educate students about

the importance of a good, healthy breakfast at the beginning of

each day. It began as a Universal Breakfast Program in which

every student received breakfast at no cost. This way no one is

left out and everyone is encouraged to participate. The school

recognizes the benefits of a healthy nutritional diet. Many

students feel ill and weak without proper nutrition. They perform

best when they consume the proper nutrients their bodies need.

Each student who participates in the free breakfast program

receives three or four components that make up a healthy

breakfast, including milk, juice, protein and carbohydrates

along with essential vitamins and minerals. The Universal

Breakfast Program has been a huge success and an estimated

308 students (out of 598) participate on a regular basis. Prior to

this program, there were only approximately 20 students who

ate the provided school breakfast. Teachers report that students’

academic performance and concentration levels have improved.

Staff members state less students complain about being hungry.

Tardiness has also declined. Overall, both students and staff

members are pleased with the program’s results.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 340 students, 75 staff members


Norwich Elementary School (Zone 8)Description of Program: The overall goal of the project was to

increase participation in the new SBP. The three main activities

conducted were:

1) Dispersal of education information about breakfast and the new

breakfast program to parents with an attention-getting invitation

to a “North Pole Breakfast Celebration” to all families and staff;

2) Free trial breakfast for the Norwich community (all staff, parents

and teachers) on Tuesday, December 18th from 8:30-9:20 a.m.; and,

3) The importance of breakfast was infused into all subsequent

wellness activities throughout the rest of the school year.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 515 students, 380 families




Huntington Elementary School (Zone 5)Description of Program: Huntington Elementary School used

their mini-grant to implement the “Ready, Set, Breakfast!!!”

program. The school held an “intervention” to raise awareness

about the importance of daily breakfast. Students and parents

were given a survey to calculate breakfast participation and

retain valuable feedback. After the survey was conducted,

students and parents received informative letters regarding

the benefits of a nutritious breakfast. In March, the “Ready,

Set, Breakfast!!!” bulletin was created addressing different

aspects of breakfast. Beginning in April, items were purchased

and breakfast was served every Thursday. The choices were

rotated every week. Results show an 8.8% increase in breakfast

participation on the day that the healthy breakfast is served. The

school nurse is thankful for this opportunity to show the students

that healthy food can taste good and be inexpensive. The school

also received a Fresh Veggie/Fruit grant that allowed them to

offer fruit to their students.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 600 students, 6 kitchen staff

members


Archbold Elementary School (Zone 1)Description of Program: Archbold Elementary School promoted

its breakfast program through several activities. During the

school’s open house in August, the breakfast program was

introduced to the students, parents and staff members and a

sampling was provided to all attendees. The school also held

a taste testing for students in September and the “Don’t Skip

Breakfast” competition broke out amongst the classrooms.

Further promotion included a milk mustache photo session and

news articles have been written about the program.



Chardon Middle School (Zone 4)Description of Program: Chardon Middle School used the mini-

grant to hold a Healthy Breakfast Challenge for its 7th and 8th

grade students. Morning announcements promoted the breakfast

program and afterschool challenge. Students searched through

cookbooks, surfed the Internet or shared favorite family recipes

to present a healthy breakfast entry. As a result of the program,

students are interested in reinstituting a year-long cooking club.





Teen AdvocacyCarrollton High School (Zone 7)Description of Program: Carrollton High School used their

mini-grant to create a new student wellness club called “Teen

Advocates for Health Awareness” (TAFHA). The Teen Advocates’

impact on the entire school district has been extraordinary

and they are commonly viewed as the “healthy role models”

through their promotion of a healthy school environment. They

aim at decreasing the childhood obesity rate through nutrition

education, physical activity and healthy changes in the school

cafeteria and vending machines. The Teen Advocates promote

TAFHA by wearing fruit and vegetable t-shirts with the theme

“Chomp this! For a healthier you!”. Wellness tips are also

broadcasted during the morning announcements twice a week.

The school nurses, family consumer science teachers and area

dietitians act as the wellness advisors. The Teen Advocates have

assisted with several wellness events in the elementary school and

high school. They also planned a health fair for the 3rd graders

(200 students) and shared educational materials on nutrition

and physical activity, in which students made their own healthy

snack. Prizes were donated by community agencies, including

the local hospitals, businesses and health department. The group

is already planning wellness events for the next school year.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 200 students, 20 school staff

members, parents & community (listed in newspaper)

Mini-Grant Funds: N/A

Physical ActivityFassett Middle School (Zone 1)Description of Program: The mini-grant was used to sustain and

maintain the “Lifetime Fitness Club” at Fassett Middle School,

which is a fitness club available to all students after school. The

club meets for one hour each day and students participate in a

variety of activities. The club has also taken field trips to help the

students experience a variety of other activities, such as spinning,

yoga and ice skating. A second mini-grant will help implement

healthy snacks into the program. Lisa Stevens, PE teacher and

club founder, was awarded with the Glass Apple Award and

featured on NBC24 television.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 50 students, 2 teachers,

40 parents

Mini-Grant Fund: 2 - $500 grants



Lake Middle & High Schools (Zone 1)Description of Program: The “Walk-Fit Club” targets staff

members and non-student athletes and encourages them to

engage in physical activity. Participants will walk for 30

minutes and then do another activity (i.e. yoga, Pilates, aerobics

or cardio-dance). The club meets three times per week during a

6-week period. The group’s popularity has greatly increased and

the athletic teams openly acknowledge and encourage the club

members. The community has embraced the club and several

parents are interested in joining.


(enrolled in the club)


Fayette Elementary School (Zone 1) Description of Program: The mini-grant helped implement a

walking program challenge in the school, in which each grade

competed against the other classroom to walk across America.

Classroom teachers held discussions using virtual maps. The

students’ receptiveness was measured by surveys to see if their

attitudes towards physical activity had improved.



East Palestine Elementary School (Zone 4)Description of Program: The East Palestine Elementary school

health team wanted to increase the amount of physical activity

for their 2nd grade students. The team aimed to get students

moving daily, with a 15 minute continuous aerobic-like exercise

each afternoon for 18 weeks. The project is called “Building

Better Bulldogs” after the district’s mascot. A friendly exercise

competition began between the second grade classrooms.



Roosevelt Elementary School (Zone 4)Description of Program: Roosevelt Elementary School used the

mini-grant to purchase exercise tapes and a DVD player for its

new “Roosevelt Rise and Shine” morning exercise program.

Immediately following morning announcements, students

participate in an exercise activity sent to them through the

building-wide television system.





Southern Local School (Zone 5)Description of Program: The project called “Millcreek Motion,

Nutrition Mission” encourages students to work to improve their

nutrition and physical activity. Once a month, students and

staff, on a themed, designated day, walked an area inside named

“Miller Mile.” Initially students and staff had difficulty with

the new activity, but very quickly, the pace changed. Soon the

participants, dressed in sweats and tennis shoes, were laughing,

cheering and singing as they walked. At the end of each activity,

students and staff were treated to a nutritious snack.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 450+ students


Norwich Elementary School (Zone 8)Description of Program: The purpose of the project is to create a

new system for Norwich Elementary students to be active during

their school day. A goal discussion would not be complete without

the mention of sustainability. The concept of introducing videos

during indoor recess has been approached thoughtfully, with

wellness committee and administrator involvement. This grant

funding provided the start-up “seed” necessary to begin the

initiative.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 515 students, 380 families


Roadoan Elementary School (Zone 3)Description of Program: Roadoan Elementary School used their

mini-grant to fund the “Get Moving Clubs,” a morning physical

activity program. The clubs encouraged students to participate

in physical activity events on Tuesdays and Thursdays before

the school day began. The clubs had a significant effect on the

students’ academic performance, health and wellbeing. The

success of the program can be attributed to administrative

support and thirteen parent/staff volunteers. The school has

plans to continue the clubs and add four additional activities in

other areas.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 300 students, school personnel

and parents

Mini-Grants Funds: $500

NutritionLeetonia Elementary School (Zone 4)Description of Program: Leetonia Elementary school health

team aimed at providing nutrition education in its second grade

classrooms, with the support of the cafeteria supervisor and



school nurse. Students were taught how to make healthy snacks.

The goal of the project was to increase student awareness of

nutrition choices and for students to begin making healthy food

choices at home and school.



Learwood Middle School (Zone 3)Description of Program: Learwood Middle School used the mini-

grant to purchase a new vending machine for its students. The

vending machine will be stocked with healthy breakfast foods.

The school will monitor the vending machine to see if the students

and staff members are receptive to the healthier choices. Students

will also be surveyed to see if they eat breakfast on a daily basis.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 536 students, 37 staff


Ashtabula City Schools (Zone 4)Description of Program: The Veggie Derby Team, consisting of

community members from OSU Extension, The Master Gardeners,

4H and local Health Department, traveled to three of the district’s

buildings and visited a total of seven 5th grade classrooms. In

the cafeteria, four different stations were set up for students. The

first encouraged students to identify 25 different vegetables.

The next table taught students about the CUTES (Condition,

Uniformity, True to type, Excellence, and Size) vegetable judging

system. The third station included nutrition education (about

vegetables) and physical activity. The last activity encouraged

students to taste test different vegetable and fruit food options

(i.e. banana chips, jicama, broccoflower and dry roasted

peas). The principal participated in the event and was greatly

impressed. This also led one teacher to start a little garden in her

classroom. The Veggie Derby Team returned in May to test the

students’ knowledge of vegetables. Students also built race cars

out of vegetables and put on a race.



Federal Hocking Middle & High Schools (Zone 5)Description of Program: The goal of the “Wii Like to Move It

Move It” program is to increase movement in Federal Hocking by

having students participate in planned activities that incorporate

dance and movement with today’s technology. Techniques

of square dance, line dance and ballroom dance have been

introduced, demonstrated and taught. Students also have access

to Dance Dance Revolution and Wii’s Dancing with the Stars



interactive game systems during school and lunch. The learned

movements and dances are incorporated into after-school dances

and life experiences. Evaluations are ongoing and records are

being kept to measure the number of participants. A fitness

survey will be given in the fall.



Nutrition and Physical Activity StandardsEdgerton Elementary School (Zone 1)Description of Program: Edgerton Elementary School used their

mini-grant to implement the American Cancer Society’s nutrition

and physical activity guidelines in its building. The school

believes these guidelines will help increase nutrition intake and

the physical activity levels of the K-2 students. The overall goal

is to improve the Ohio Department of Health’s 3rd grade obesity

statistics for the school.



School Health and WellnessDellroy Elementary School (Zone 7)Description of Program: Dellroy Elementary School established

a teen advocacy group to address health and wellness issues

and raise awareness of nutrition and fitness. The group was

initiated by two high school students who sit on the school’s

wellness committee. Some projects coordinated by the group

include: a Walk-A-Thon, Mentoring Program for elementary

students, quarterly BMI tests, Health Expo and Health Awareness

assemblies. This program will impact all students in the entire

district because the teen advocates will take their programs to

every single school building to encourage student participation.



Clinton Elementary School (Zone 8)Description of Program: The Clinton Elementary School PTA

created the “Health Challenge” to address their concerns with

the school meals being offered at Columbus City Schools. The

parent advocates decided to use the “Health Challenge” to educate

the students about healthy food and lifestyle choices. The week

before the event, parent nutritionists taught in every classroom at

the school and emphasized the importance and fruits, vegetables

and exercise. Leading up to the “Health Challenge,” students

were offered free samples of unusual fruits and vegetables,



healthy fruit shakes and several fitness activities. The program’s

success was due to participation from students, staff, parents and

the entire community.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 370 students, staff, parents and

community members


Van Wert City Schools (Zone 2)Description of Program: Van Wert City Schools will use the

mini-grant to begin the ROADRUNNERS program, an after-

school physical fitness activity. The program will also emphasize

nutrition and health-related fitness concepts. The program will

be available to all students in grades 3-6 and meet twice a week

for one hour per week.



Dover Middle School (Zone 7)Description of Program: The program is called G.U.T.S.- Girls

Using Their Strengths, and is targeted towards overweight

middle school girls. The program includes lunch meetings

with the nurse covering topics including self-esteem building,

nutrition and physical activity. In addition, there will be an

afterschool fitness club for the students. The funds will pay for

the Physical Fitness trainer, water bottles and nutritional lunch

items.

Number of Individuals Impacted: TBD


Afterschool ProgramsPark Elementary School (Zone 7)Description of Program: The school started an after school

program called “TAN Sessions” with TAN standing for Tutoring,

Activity and Nutrition. The program reached a consistent group

of students and supervised staff members. The school used the

mini-grant to purchase less-common physical activity equipment

to expose their students to new experiences. Materials included:

playground ball set, jump ropes, skip-its, paddle loon & batting

set, badminton set and tennis net. The program was well-received

by students and parents.

Number of Individuals Impacted: 50 students, 5 staff


Read more about these program on the OAFHK website

www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org/success_stories/



P.A.R.E.N.T. Process: Taking Action for Change 59 Introduction to the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process

61 School Wellness Policies

65 School Breakfast Program

70 Creating a Healthy School Nutrition Environment

71 Healthy Snacks in Schools

74 Healthy Fundraising Techniques

77 Non-Food Rewards and School Celebrations

80 Healthy School Celebrations and Healthy Rewards and Incentives

86 Physical Activity and Physical Education

90 Physical Activity Curricula and Programs

93 Walking Programs

97 Walking School Bus

100 P.A.R.E.N.T. Process Resources

Section 6


Introduction to the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process

With the information you have learned about the school

environment, Wellness Policies, and background on school

nutrition and physical education programs, you are now ready to

start the process to create positive change in your child’s school.

The P.A.R.E.N.T. Process was developed as a guide to help your

parent advocacy group work through the basic steps needed to

identify and implement a successful wellness project. Follow the

steps of the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process described below to take action on

one of the program ideas. Or, if you have identified another area of

concern in your school, let the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process structure the

framework of your plan for improvement.

The P.A.R.E.N.T. ProcessP - Pick a ProjectPerhaps you already have a project in mind that will enhance the

health environment of the school. Or, perhaps you just want to

make your child’s school the best environment it can be but you

have not identified a good project. Either way, it is best to start by

assessing the healthy environment of the school. This will help you

to select a project that is both accomplishable and excites passion

in parent advocates

A - Assess the Situation By assessing the health environment of the school, you will

discover what is already being done to promote student health

and wellness, as well as areas that might need more attention.

Tools for assessment can be found in the section on “School

Health Environment Assessment.”

R - Research Once you have identified a project, learn as much about the issue

as possible. What will be your primary goal? Who will this project

affect? Who are the key stakeholders you need to influence in

order to accomplish the goal of the project? Review the section on

“Advocacy” to learn more about researching your project.

E - EducateProvide awareness and information about the issue and the

project. What information is needed by your target audience and

those affected by the project? What is the best way to provide that

information? Using a variety of communication methods is often

the best approach: hold meetings, post flyers, write an article for

the school newspaper or parent newsletter.

6Introduction to the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process


N - Network Talk with school administrators and staff to identify those who

support your wellness efforts. Identify other parents or parent

groups who are involved in wellness efforts at the school. Contact

community based organizations who can help disseminate your

information. When the same message and information is coming

from a variety of groups, you are more likely to make the change you

want to see.

T - Take Action When you have identified your goal, write it down along with one or

two measurable objectives. Measurable means that you will be able

to quantify or gauge any change. An example might be, “by the end

of the school year, 50% of all options in all school vending machines

will be healthy selections.” Then, develop the action steps or tactics

that need to be done to implement the project.

6Introduction to the P.A.R.E.N.T. Process


6P.A.R.E.N.T. Process School Wellness Policies

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization

Act of 2004 required all local school districts

participating in the National School Lunch

Program to have a School District Wellness

Policy in place by July 1, 2006. The process for

implementing and evaluating a Wellness Policy

will vary from district to district. As a parent,

you can help your school or school district fulfill

the requirements of the district’s Wellness Policy.

Below you will find information which will help

you understand School Wellness Policies.

A School Wellness Policy should include five

components:

Nutrition and Physical Education (PE) Goals - •These goals address nutrition and PE

curriculum and educational activities in and

outside of the classroom.

Physical Activity Goals - This includes •providing ample opportunities for students

to engage in physical activity throughout

the school day. This may include before

or after school activity clubs, classroom

physical activity breaks and set schedules

for recess.

Nutrition Standards - This includes nutrition •standards or criteria for all foods available

on the school campus during the school

day. This may include vending, school

stores, concessions, fundraisers, school

celebrations, etc.

Goals for Other School Based Activities - This •goal addresses any other activity designed

to promote student wellness.

Measurement and Evaluation - The Wellness •Policy should state how and when the goals

are reviewed to evaluate success and note

whether changes need to be made to improve

the health and wellness of the students.

The law states that Wellness Policies should be

designed, implemented and evaluated by a team

which includes parents, teachers, administrators,

school food service staff, school board members

and members of the community. Many schools

also include students, school nurses, physical

education teachers and other interested parties

on their Wellness Policy or School Health Team.

Your PTA or parent group can come alongside

the school administration to help implement

Wellness Policies and projects that are designed to

improve your children’s health. The P.A.R.E.N.T

Process will guide your parent group through

the basic steps to implement wellness programs

at your school.


School Wellness Policies

Pick a Project - School Wellness Policies

Assess the Situation1. If your school has a website, you might start by visiting

the site to see if the district has posted the Wellness Policy.

Many times it will be included along with other School Board

Policies. If you are unable to locate the Wellness Policy on the

school website ask for a copy to review.

2. Call the school or district office and ask if the school or

district has a School Wellness or School Health Team. Ask to

speak to a member of the team.

3. State your interest in school wellness and your willingness to

help. Find out what members are on the school wellness team

and what the team is doing to implement the Wellness Policy.

4. Read through the Wellness Policy to become familiar with

goals and or projects that are currently being addressed in

your school. Knowing this information will help you find ways

to get involved and make changes.

Research1. Review information available online to learn more about

Wellness Policies. Refer to the resources listed below to get

started.

Educate1. Share the resources you have found and let the school and the

School Wellness Team know you would like to be involved in

the School Wellness process and activities. As an advocate for

child health, you can help key decision makers learn about

important school wellness issues.

2. Share suggestions, ideas for implementation and success

stories. Identify ways the parent group or PTA can expand

and strengthen the implementation of the Wellness

Policy activities. It is helpful to identify the benefits the

Wellness Policy can have on student learning and academic

achievement.

Network1. Gather the support of other parents and community members.

To learn how to bring together interested parent advocates

review Section 2 on Advocacy.

2. Discuss the School Wellness Policy with interested parents

at PTA meetings or other gatherings. Promote information

6School W

ellness Policies


about the requirements of the School Wellness Policy. Many

parents are not aware of this opportunity to improve the

health environment of their child’s school.

3. Invite members of the School Wellness Team to present at

parent meetings.

4. Designate a person from your advocacy group or PTA to be a

liaison between the School Wellness Team and the parent group.

5. Use the school newsletters, website, email, bulletin boards, etc.

to inform parents and the community why it is important to

improve student nutrition and fitness. Support from parents

and the community will strengthen efforts to implement and

sustain projects and activities that are part of the Wellness

Policy plan.

Take Action1. Suggest changes and additions to the Wellness Policy if topics

are not fully addressed. Refer to other P.A.R.E.N.T. Process

topics in this toolkit for ideas.

2. Assist the School Wellness Team with implementation of the

wellness goals.

3. Implementing a Wellness Policy is only the beginning.

Implementation requires good planning and management. A

positive attitude by everyone in the school and community can

make a huge difference in the success of the project.

4. At each PTA or parent group meeting include a report from

the School Wellness Team about the nutrition and physical

activity environment of the school.

5. The law requires the school district to have a plan for

measuring the implementation of the Wellness Policy. A very

important step in the Wellness Policy plan is to periodically

assess how well the policy is being managed and enforced. Be

prepared to update and amend the Wellness Policy.

6. Plan to assess student, parent, teacher and administration

satisfaction with the new policies. Use their feedback to help

update and amend the Wellness Policy.

ResourcesS. 2507 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s108-2507

USDA Team Nutrition

How to Create and Implement a Local Wellness Policy: School

Wellness Policies “How To” Guide, Requirements, Examples,

Funding Opportunities, Tools and Frequently Asked Questions

www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellnesspolicy_steps.html

6School W

ellness Policies



School Wellness Policy Tool, Resources to Improve Schools and

State-by-State Action

www.ActionforHealthyKids.org/wellnesstool/index.php

Model School Wellness Policies

Model School Wellness Policies Template, Information and

Additional Resources

www.schoolwellnesspolicies.org

School Nutrition Association

School Wellness Policy Law Details, Guidelines, Examples and

Additional Resources

www.schoolnutrition.org/Content.aspx?id=8504

6School W

ellness Policies


Breakfast plays an important role in the

day of a child, yet over the past twenty

years there has been a steady decrease in the

number of children eating breakfast. According

to the United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA), an estimated 90 percent of children,

ages one to five, eat breakfast. But the number

severely declines as children get older with only

14 percent of high school students consistently

consuming breakfast.

There are many factors that determine whether

or not a child eats breakfast. Some include lack

of time, limited availability of ready to eat food,

not being hungry, or lack of someone to share the

meal with. No matter what the reason, omitting

breakfast can have a detrimental effect on our

child’s health. Studies show that students who

eat breakfast have higher intakes of vitamins and

the mineral calcium. They also are more likely

to consume a better variety of foods in general,

such as increased grains, fruit and milk, and

they consume less saturated fat. When it comes

to academics, the benefits of breakfast continue.

Studies show students who consume breakfast

have higher math and reading scores, improved

memory on cognition tests and are at a reduced

risk for being overweight. Children who choose

to eat breakfast in school and participate in the

School Breakfast Program (SBP) have improved

standardized test scores, better attendance,

increased classroom participation and decreased

tardiness.

The SBP was originally started as a pilot program

in 1966 to help students with a long commute

to school or help families with mothers in the

workforce. Now, all schools can participate. The

federal government assists schools by providing

USDA funds to support the cost of a SBP. Some

schools provide breakfast free of charge; others

offer a discount to assist children from low-

income homes.

Advocating for breakfast at your child’s school

will result in children receiving the nutrition

they need with a healthy meal to start the day off

right. We can not guarantee that it will help your

child get all A’s but it couldn’t hurt, so why not

give it a try. A variety of options are available to

schools to operate a SBP in cost-effective ways.

Review the breakfast resource list for contact

information.

6P.A.R.E.N.T. Process School Breakfast Program


P.A.R.E.N.T. Process

Pick a Project - School Breakfast Program Assess the Situation1. Find out if your child’s school participates in the SBP. Do all

grades have access to the program?

2. If your school does participate in the SBP,

•whattypeofbreakfastprogramisoffered?Optionsavailable

include: traditional (in the cafeteria before school), breakfast

in the classroom, Grab ‘N Go breakfast, or breakfast after 1st

period.

•learnthetypesoffoodsserved.Dothemealsmeetthe

nutrition guidelines of the USDA? Has the school included

additional nutrition guidelines? If breakfast does not meet

the USDA requirements, find out why.

•whatisthestudentparticipationrate?Iflow,whyare

students not taking advantage of the meal program? What

can be done to increase participation?

3. If your school does not participate in the SBP, contact the

school’s principal to determine the reason. Find out how

many students are eligible to qualify for free or reduced-cost

lunch and advocate that these children should have access to

breakfast each day.

Research1. Learn more about the SBP options mentioned above, including

school success stories and innovative ideas that have

increased SBP participation. Many school breakfast resource

toolkits and fact sheets are available. Review the breakfast

resources at the end of this section for additional help.

2. Contact Children’s Hunger Alliance, an Ohio nonprofit who

provides assistance to schools in their efforts to have an

effective SBP. They can help you in your efforts to talk with

your school administration and food service staff.

3. Explore healthy breakfast options that appeal to students.

Research breakfast foods that have had success in other

schools.

4. Identify breakfast advocates within the school (teacher,

principal, food director, nurse).

5. Identify obstacles that may hinder a SBP in the school.

Educate1. Share with school administrators and key stakeholders the

advantages of school breakfast and the academic research

supporting the program.

6School Breakfast Program

“If your school

does not participate

in the SBP, contact

the school’s principal

to determine the

reason.”


2. Inform the school of your concern, current situation, options,

financial assets and success stories. Let them know the

program can help bring federal dollars into the school to

assist with the financial cost of the program.

3. Ask how obstacles can be addressed so change can

take place.

Network1. Gather the support of parents, teachers, the school nurse and

concerned community members.

2. A network allows you to offer the school people who can

volunteer, research more options and promote change.

Take Action1. Petition the school district to add a SBP policy that includes

healthy meal standards to the district’s existing Wellness

Policy. A key time to promote these initiatives is while the

school is making similar changes in regard to school health.

2. Start serving breakfast and/or healthier options at your

school. Pilot a breakfast program in one school and then

expand to others.

3. Offer to have parent volunteers assist with starting the SBP

at the school. Have special days where parents come to school

and eat with their children.

4. Frequently report the progress of the program at PTA meetings.

Ideas for Success1. invite parents to eat breakfast with their children once a

month.

2. schedule special breakfast guests once a month: principal,

coach, school mascot, etc.

3. offer fresh fruit options to students daily.

4. make a Grab’N’Go school breakfast kiosk available for high

school students.

5. develop and implement PSAs over the school intercom that

promote healthy school breakfasts.

Key Points for ParentsAdvocating for the SBPSchool Breakfast Background:

• SBPisafederallyassistedmealprogramforpublicand

private nonprofit schools and residential childcare programs.

SBP has been in effect since its inception in 1966 as a pilot

project. In 1975, it became a permanent fixture.

• Accordingtoanutritionstudy,childrenwhoattendschool



without eating breakfast have fatigue, dizziness, low blood

sugar levels, fatigue and trouble concentrating.

• IndividualschoolsanddistrictswhoparticipateintheSBP

receive federal reimbursement for each meal served.

• Guidelinesforfamilieswithchildreneligibleforfreeor

reduced-price breakfast:

Free Breakfast - under 130% of the poverty line.

Reduced-price Breakfast - 130 to 185% of the poverty line.

• Asofthe2007-2008schoolyear,71.5%ofOhioschoolswho

offered National School Lunch also offered National School

Breakfast. This lack of good nutrition at the beginning

of the day has a negative impact on children behaviorally,

developmentally and academically.

• Only45.4%ofallOhio’slow-incomestudentsparticipatein

the National School Breakfast Program. If Ohio served 60% of

all low-income students – Ohio would receive over $18 million

in USDA reimbursement.

Types of School Breakfast ProgramsBreakfast at No Charge or Universal Breakfast Schools serve breakfast in the cafeteria to all students, regardless

of income. This approach works best in schools with a large number

of low-income students and helps to reduce the stigma of receiving

a free meal.

Breakfast in the Classroom Breakfast items are available in a central location or within each

classroom, and available to all students. Students eat in their

homeroom during attendance and announcements. This strategy

provides the benefit of having all students in their seats, ready to

begin the school day. It also significantly increases participation

in the SBP and leads to a stronger community within the school.

Grab’N’Go Breakfast Students stop into the cafeteria or other designated location to pick

up breakfast items to take to their classroom before school starts.

This approach works especially well in middle and high schools.

Midmorning Breakfast Some schools opt to take a break later in the morning. Schools

make the breakfast foods available on carts in the hallways at a

designated time. Students can pick up nutritious foods to eat

between classes. Some schools have students go to the cafeteria to

pick up breakfast items to take to their classroom. This approach

is also very good at building a stronger community and greatly

increases student participation.



Types of School Breakfast adapted from Children’s Hunger

Alliance. School Breakfast Programs.

www.ChildrensHungerAlliance.org/SSN/breakfast.php

Contact for Assistance Charlie Kozlesky

Children’s Hunger Alliance

1.800.227.6446, ext. 221

[email protected]

ResourcesChildren’s Hunger Alliance

Local Ohio Contact and Information Source for Starting and/or

Expanding a SBP

www.ChildrensHungerAlliance.org/SSN/breakfast.php

Breakfast First - Healthy Food for Hungry Minds

SBP Information, Parent Advocacy and Research

www.breakfastfirst.org


Improving and Expanding School Meal Programs

www.ActionforHealthyKids.org/resources_topic.php?topic=20

FRAC - SBP

SBP Information, Facts and Figures

www.frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/programs/sbp.html

USDA - The SBP: Fact Sheet

www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/breakfast/AboutBFast/SBPFactSheet.pdf

Changing the Scene

Improving School Breakfast: SBP Resources, Guides and

Research

www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Resources/changing.html

American Dairy Association Mideast

SBP Resources, Programs and Expansion

www.drink-milk.com



Schools play a powerful role in influencing

students’ food choices. Many schools offer

less nutritious foods and beverages to help meet

tight operating budgets and/or increase revenue

for school-sponsored programs and events.

Although this source of revenue financially

benefits schools, it sends a mixed message to

students. Your parent group can help your school

create a healthy nutrition environment by offering

snack food and beverage choices that benefit

students nutritionally and continue to provide a

source of revenue for schools. Current research

indicates that schools may take a temporary dip

in profits when healthy snacks and beverages are

implemented, but they frequently recover shortly

afterward.

There are several ways schools can provide a

healthy nutrition environment that supports

their students’ learning achievement and lifelong

good health. This section includes suggestions

to help your parent group provide non-food

rewards and healthy snack foods and beverages

in vending, a la carte, school stores, fundraisers,

and classroom celebrations.

Healthy Snacks in SchoolsHealthy snacking is an important part of a well

balanced diet. Your parent group can implement

healthy snack, vending and a la carte guidelines

that promote nutrient rich snacks. Nutrient rich

snacks provide more nutrients for the fewest

calories and can provide an extra boost of

energy for children. The Snackwise Nutrition

Rating System, a website application that rates

snacks according to their nutrient profile, can

help schools identify healthier snack choices and

provides resources for nutrition education and

marketing.

Healthy Fundraising TechniquesParents can help move schools toward healthier

foods and beverages or non-food fundraising

events. Healthy fundraisers that support positive

health messages at school support healthy eating,

nutrition education, and parents’ efforts to feed

their children healthfully.

Non-Food Rewards and School CelebrationsUnhealthy food rewards and school parties

centered around food can send mixed messages

when healthy eating habits are taught in the

classroom but not modeled in the school nutrition

environment. Your parent group can advocate

for healthy school celebrations and non-food

rewards. If food is used as a reward or at school

parties choose foods that are nutrient rich, fun

and appealing to children.

6P.A.R.E.N.T. Process Creating a Healthy School Nutrition Environment


P.A.R.E.N.T. Process - Healthy Snacks in Schools

Pick a Project - Snacking, Vending, School Stores and A La Carte

Assess the Situation1. Find out where vending is located at your school. Check the

a la carte and school store items that are for sale. What do

students have access to in the school’s vending, school store

or a la carte lines? What do teachers (as positive role models)

have access to in the school’s vending machines?

2. Research whether the school has a vending contract and the

agreement details (company, products sold/available, vending

hours, school marketing, sales revenue). You may have to work

with the finance officer at the school for this information.

3. Decide if healthier snacks are needed. Most vendors sell

healthy options.

Research1. Look into healthier snack alternatives and success stories.

Use the resources listed below to get started.

2. Identify advocates within the school (teacher, principal, food

director, nurse).

Educate 1. Inform the school of your concern, current situation, healthier

alternatives, financial possibilities and success stories.

2. Ask about obstacles that may need to be addressed before

change can take place.

3. Provide an article about nutrient-rich snack food ideas to be

placed in your school newsletter.

4. Provide healthy snack ideas at parent night.

Network1. Gather the support of parents, concerned citizens, teachers

and nurses.



Take Action1. Ask the school/district to add a healthy snack policy to the

existing School Wellness Policy. A key time to promote these

initiatives is while the school is making similar changes in

regard to school health.

6Creating a Healthy School Nutrition Environment


2. Implement changes the school and parents have agreed

upon. (Example: Implement programs such as Snackwise®

that evaluate the nutritional quality using a nutrient rich

approach. Snackwise® uses an easy to identify color code

system to identify healthier snacks and provides resources to

market and educate students about healthier snack choices).

Ideas for Success1. Teach students what healthy snacks are. Provide taste-testing

events to let them taste new, healthier options.

2. If you have a school store, encourage the sponsor and club to

offer healthy choices.

3. Have a healthy snack awareness week or day.

ResourcesMaking It Happen! School Nutrition Success Stories

www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Resources/makingithappen.html

Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System

A Nutrient-Rich approach to snack selection

www.snackwise.org


Goal 2 Toolkit: Ensuring Healthy Snack Foods and Beverages are

Provided in Ohio Schools

www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org/state_team/documents/

goal2_toolkit_downsampled_002.pdf


Healthy Vending Machines: Recommended Beverages,

Recommended Foods and “How to” Policy Guide

www.ActionforHealthyKids.org/filelib/toolsforteams/recom/

Healthy%20Vending.pdf

Banning Sodas in Your School - A Short Organizing Guide

http://departments.oxy.edu/uepi/cfj/publications/Banning_Soda_%20

in_Your_School.pdf

Coalition on Children and Weight San Diego

Beverage, Food and Snack Bar Ideas that Might Work

for School Vending

www.ccwsd.org/resourcesfundraising.htm

Action for Healthy Kids of Alabama

Guide to Healthy Vending Machines

www.ActionforHealthyKids.org/filelib/toolsforteams/recom/

Healthy%20Vending.pdf



Vending Machines, North Carolina Division of Public Health, NC

Department of Public Instruction, NC Cooperative Extension, and

NC Action for Healthy Kids.

www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/programs_tools/school/docs/

food_standards/vending.pdf6Creating a Healthy School Nutrition Environment


P.A.R.E.N.T. Process - Healthy Fundraising Techniques

Pick a Project - Healthy Fundraising Techniques

Assess the Situation1. Find out the types of fundraising commonly used in your

child’s school. Focus on the nutrition value of food and drinks

sold.

2. What groups in your community are involved with

fundraisers? Who organizes these events and how can you

work to educate them on this topic?

3. Decide whether a healthy fundraising initiative is needed in

your child’s school.

Research1. Look into healthy fundraising options, effectiveness and

success stories. Use the resources listed below to get started.

2. Assemble a list of healthy and/or non-food fundraising

activities. (A starter list is already provided below).

3. Investigate and identify advocates within the school (teacher,

principal, nurse and other parents).

Educate 1. This topic will involve working with athletic boosters, band

boosters and many other school and community associations

that involve parent and student groups.

2. Inform the school administration of your concern, current

situation, possible alternatives and success stories (refer to

the “How to Work with Schools” section).

3. Distribute a copy of your healthy and/or non-food fundraising

activities.



Network1. Connect to and gather the support of parents who are willing

to help with healthy fundraisers.

2. Hold a meeting or ask for an appointment with the many

associations involved with fundraising to discuss possible

alternatives and to offer the support of your parent group.

3. Reach out to groups in your community/city/state that are

working to improve student nutrition and wellness, and invite

them to talk to your PTA about ways to get involved.



4. A parent network allows you to offer the school organizations

people who can volunteer, research more options and

promote change.

Take Action1. Petition the school and administration to add a healthy and/or

non-food fundraising policy to the school’s/district’s existing

Wellness Policy. A key time to promote these initiatives is

while the school is making similar changes in other areas

related to school health.

2. Promote your list of healthy and/or non-food fundraising

activities to groups that fundraise in your child’s school or

district.

3. Don’t forget to measure and evaluate the successes you

encounter with healthy fundraising.

Resources Making It Happen! School Nutrition Success Stories



Fundraising Ideas and Resources


Richland County School District One

Fundraising Ideas and More

www.richlandone.org/departments/student_nutrition/

fundraising_ideas.htm

Connecticut State Department of Education Fundraising Facts,

Resources, and Ideas

www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Student/NutritionEd/

Healthy_Fundraising_Color.PDF

Louisiana Action for Healthy Kids and Team Nutrition

Fundraising Ideas and More

www.doe.state.la.us/lde/nutritioned/1861.html

California Lean: Fundraising Ideas and More

www.californiaprojectlean.org

Cooking with MyPyramid Fundraising Program

www.cookingwithmypyramid.com/CWM%20Fundraiser.htm

Healthy Fundraising

www.healthy-fundraising.org/



Healthy Fundraising, Connecticut State Department of Education,

Bureau of Health and Nutrition Services and Child/Family/School

Partnerships, February 2005

Creative School Fundraising Ideas, California Project LEAN

www.californiaprojectlean.org/Assets/1019/files/Creative%20

School%20Fund-raising%20Ideas_Healthy%20Food%20

Policy%20Resource%20Guide.pdf

There are many organizations (like the American Heart

Association) who sponsor physical activity fundraisers that the

schools can work with to help host a fundraiser.



P.A.R.E.N.T. Process - Non-Food Rewards and School Celebrations

Pick a Project - Non-Food Rewards and School Celebrations

Assess the Situation1. Find out the various types of rewards frequently offered

in your child’s school. In which situations do parents and

teachers provide rewards for students? Collect information on

school celebrations. Do rewards and/or celebrations involve

food? What types of food?

2. Decide whether the rewards and celebrations promote health,

and/or reinforce lessons on good nutrition and a healthy

lifestyle.

3. Choose an area where parents and teachers can make positive

changes in the rewards given to students.

Research1. Investigate alternatives to offering food as a reward and food-

centered parties. Find success stories. Use the resources listed

below to get started.

2. Compile a list of non-food rewards and healthy celebrations.

(A starter list is already provided in the following pages).

3. Would the parents and teachers be willing to combine student

birthday parties into a once-a-month event that incorporates

physical activity as well as healthy snacks?

Educate 1. Inform the school administration of your concern, the current

situation, possible alternatives and success stories. Can the

food service department offer to make healthy party trays for

classroom celebrations?

2. Discuss this topic at the PTA meeting. Can parents alter the

items they bring into the classroom? Would parents be willing

to donate non-food items for the teacher’s “treasure box?”

This could serve as a reward system for good behavior and

accomplishments.



4. Explain how this topic can be incorporated into the School

Wellness Policy.



Network1. Gather the support of teachers, parents, food service staff and

concerned citizens.



Take Action 1. Ask the school/administration to add a non-food rewards and

healthy celebrations policy to the school’s/district’s existing

Wellness Policy. A key time to promote these initiatives is

while the school is making similar changes in regard to

school health.

2. Distribute lists of non-food rewards and healthy celebration

ideas to teachers and parents, including age-appropriate

activities and games. This allows for a healthy party

atmosphere and encourages parents to be mindful of good

nutrition.

3. Help raise funds to support healthier rewards and parties.

4. Remind parents to consider ethnic and medical food

restrictions and allergies when providing classroom snacks.

Ideas for Success1. Ask the school cafeteria to make fresh fruit trays for

classroom celebrations.

2. Provide parents with a healthy recipe book from which to

make birthday treats.

3. Encourage teachers to reward students with physical activity

breaks, or trips to the treasure box when school work is

accomplished (rather than offer candy).

4. Keep parties simple: children tend to be excited and active on

party days – it helps to keep snacks and games organized and

non-competitive (especially in the younger grades).

ResourcesThe following list of resources provides more information on

organizations that are working towards improving nutrition and

physical activity/education in schools.

Making It Happen! “School Nutrition Success Stories”



Alternative Rewards and More

www.ActionforHealthyKids.org/resources_topic.php?topic=68&

audience=&material=&age=&partner=&state=&x=17&y=6



Michigan Team Nutrition - Alternative Rewards and More

www.tn.fcs.msue.msu.edu/resources.html

Connecticut Team Nutrition

Alternative Rewards and Celebrations: Tips and Facts

www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Student/NutritionEd/

Food_As_Reward_HO1.pdf

Center for Science in the Public Interest


www.cspinet.org/nutritionpolicy/constructive_rewards.pdf

www.cspinet.org/nutritionpolicy/policy_options_

healthycelebrations.html

Coalition on Children and Weight San Diego


www.ccwsd.org/resourcesfundraising.htm

National Dairy Council - Tools for Schools

www.nationaldairycouncil.org/nationaldairycouncil/tools

Team Nutrition

http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/healthy-schools.html

My Pyramid for Kids

www.mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html

CDC Healthy Youth

www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/nutrition/index.htm



Schools play a powerful role in influencing

students’ food choices. There are several

ways schools can ensure students’ eating

habits contribute to their learning achievement

and lifelong good health. Eat Smart North

Carolina’s “Recommended Standards for All

Foods Available in School” encourages the

development of policies to support healthful

choices for a la carte, vending, afterschool

programs, and school events such as classroom

celebrations, class snacks, meetings, parties,

concessions, intramural events, fundraisers and

extracurricular events. Depending on the topic,

it may be appropriate for the policy to be made at

the district, school or classroom level.

Sample Policies for Rewards and IncentivesSample District Policy for Rewards and Incentives:It is the intent of ABC School System to use

rewards and incentives that do not undermine

the health of students and/or reinforce unhealthy

eating habits. Non-food rewards and incentives

will be used as the first choice to encourage

positive behavior. If food is used for a reward,

healthy choices with appropriate portion sizes

are required.

6P.A.R.E.N.T. Process Healthy School Celebrations and Healthy Rewards and Incentives


Sample School Policy for Rewards and Incentives:It is the intent of Good Learning Elementary School to eliminate the

practice of using foods that promote unhealthful eating habits as

classroom rewards. Teachers will use pencils, erasers and stickers

as rewards for students.

Sample Classroom Policy for Rewards and Incentives:It is the intent of Mrs. Parsley, first grade teacher, not to reward

her students for positive behavior with food. Mrs. Parsley will

use a system of verbal praise, certificates and ribbons to reward

her students. This includes a “treasure box” full of non-food,

inexpensive items to be used for positive reinforcement.

Sample District Policy for School Celebrations:It is the intent of ABC School System that school celebrations are

limited to no more that four times per year for grades K-5 or two

times per year for grades 6-8. When possible, it is recommended

that celebrations feature activities other than eating. If food is

involved, it should include healthy choices.

Sample School Policy for School Celebrations:It is the intent of Good Learning Elementary School that

celebrations be limited to one per nine-week quarter per classroom.

The celebrations should take place during the last hour of the

school day so it will not interfere with school meals. Teachers are

encouraged to choose non-food ways to celebrate for two out of the

four celebrations. If food is involved in the celebrations, parents

can consult the student handbook for possible snack choices.

Sample Classroom Policy for School Celebrations:It is the intent of Mrs. Parsley to set the dates for classroom

celebrations within the first month of school. Parents are

encouraged to assist with the celebrations by volunteering to

prepare healthy snacks when requested. A list of dates and options

will be sent home with students. Parents can consult the student

handbook for possible snack choices.

6Sample Policies for Rewards and Incentives


Alternatives to Food as a Reward

Rewards for All Ages• listentomusicwhiledoingschoolwork

• chatattheendofclass

• moviedayorclassperiod

• gamesorgametime

• homeworkcoupon

• giftcertificatetolocalnon-foodmerchants

• freepasstosportingeventorplay

• walkbreakfromclass

• sittingwithfriends

• groupactivities

• paperbackbooks

• magazinesubscription

• pedometers

• recognitionovermorningannouncementsorinclass

• smallphysicalactivityequipment

• eatlunchoutside,haveclassoutside

• readoutside

• teachtheclass

Elementary Students• takingthingstotheoffice

• takingcareoftheclasspet

• prizesfromatreasurebox

• penciltoppers

• stickers

• pencils

• starsorsmileyfaces

• extrarecess

• leadingtheclasstolunch,recess,library,etc.

• walkwiththeprincipal,teacher,orschoolnurse

• physicalactivitybreak

• schoolsupplies

• temporarytattoos

• show-and-tell

• picnicinside

• banksystem-earnplaymoneyforprivileges

• teacherorvolunteerreadstoclass

• teacherperformsspecialskill(singing,cart-wheel,playsthe

guitar)

• extraarttime

• “freechoice”attheendofthedayorclassperiod

• teacher’sassistantfortheday

6Alternatives to Food as a Reward


• eatlunchwithateacherorprincipal

• receivea“mysterypack”(notebook,pencils,sportscards,etc.)

Middle School Students• takingthingstotheoffice

• musicconcertatschool

• pencils

• t-shirt/hat/etc.

• couponstovideostore,musicstoreormovietheater

•daypasstoalocalgym

• extracredit

• funbrainteasers

• beahelperinanotherclass

• receivea“mysterypack”(notebook,pencils,sportscards,etc.)

High School Students• musicconcertatschool

• t-shirt/hat/etc.

• primeparkingspot

• extracredit

• couponstovideostore,musicstoreormovietheater

•daypasstoalocalgym

• raffleticketstoenteradrawingfordonatedprizes

Adapted from:Alternatives to Food as Reward, Connecticut State Department

of Education, Bureau of Health and Nutrition Services and Child/

Family/School Partnerships, September 2004:

Rewards and Incentives, NC Division of Public Health, NC

Department of Public Instruction, NC Cooperative Extension, and

NC Action for Healthy Kids.

Alternatives To Using Food As A Reward, Michigan State

University Extension.

www.tn.fcs.msue.msu.edu/foodrewards.pdf

6Alternatives to Food as a Reward


Healthy School Parties

Non-Food Party Ideas• Studentschoosepartygamesandactivities.Parentscanbring

in pencils, erasers, tattoos and other small non-food treats.

• Incorporatenutritionaleducationintofunactivities-color

in the food pyramid, and/or match the appropriate food at

the bottom of the pyramid to the appropriate bar on the food

pyramid.

• Aspecialclassartprojectorcraft.Studentscanpicktheir

own art project (painting drawing, coloring, play-doh) and

have a particular craft to make. Possibly have a local artist

come in and speak with the kids or do a demonstration. Ask

parents and/or businesses to donate small watercolor sets

with paint brushes.

• Haveadanceparty.Letstudentsselectthemusicandlocate

a space and time your class can have a small dance party. Use

a dance party as a larger school incentive and through a free

school dance as a reward (sponsored by local businesses).

• Incorporateascavengerhuntintophysicalactivity,instructing

the children to do a series of physical movements in order to

get to the next clue. At the end, everyone receives a prize.

• Letstudentsplayoutsideorhaveafieldday.

• Createaspecialbirthdaypackage.Birthdaychildgetsasash

or crown to wear during class, a special seat, chooses a short

class activity or game, first in line to lunch or recess, teacher’s

assistant for the day, a visit to the principal’s office to receive

a small birthday surprise (pencil, school folder, birthday card)

and so on.

• Haveaclassmovieparty.Studentsselectamovietowatchora

watch a new film pertaining to the class subject.

• Havestudentshelpcomeupwithnon-foodpartyideas.Students

can create a “healthy classroom party guide” to distribute to

parents that can be used throughout the school year.

Healthy Party Foods• Fruitsmoothies(justenjoydelicioussmoothiesorthrowina

beach ball, hula skirts, and volleyball and have a beach party)

• Freshfruitandcheesekabobswithlow-fatwhippedtopping

• Driedfruit(bananachips,applechips,etc.)

• 100%Fruitsnacks

• Vegetabletrayswithlow-fatdiporpeanutbutter

• Wholegraincrackerswithcheesecubesorhummus

• Stringcheese

• Wafflesorpancakestoppedwithfruits

6Healthy School Parties

“Have students help

come up with non-

food party ideas.”


• Wholegrainpretzels

• Low-fatpopcorn

• Ricecakes

• Grahamoranimalcrackers

• Angelfoodcaketoppedwithfreshfruit

• Bagelslicesorwholewheatenglishmuffinswithpeanut

butter or 100% fruit jam

• Fruitorwholegrainmuffins

• Wholewheathotpretzels

• Pizzawithlow-fattopping(vegetables,leanham,Canadian

bacon)

• Smallham/turkeyandcheesesandwichesorwraps

• Low-fatpuddingoryogurt(squeezableyogurtorparfaitstyle

with granola, cereal, or crushed graham cracker topping)

• Quesadillasorbeanburritoswithsalsa

• Low-fatbreakfastandgranolabars

• Tortillachipswithbeandiporsalsa

• Trail/cerealmix(wholegrain,low-sugarcerealsmixwith

dried fruit, pretzels, etc.)

• Nutsandseeds

• Applesandcarameldip

• Minipretzelsticksinsertedintocheesecubes

• Fondueparty:individualsmallcupsofyogurtwithaselection

of cubed pineapple, strawberries, apple slices, vanilla wafers

and graham crackers for dipping

• Providealargetrayofjell-o.Studentsthenusecookiecutters

to cut out various shapes. Decorate with low-fat, non-dairy

topping, raisins, nuts, marshmallows, healthy cereal.

Adapted from:Healthy Celebrations, Connecticut State Department of Education,

Bureau of Health and Nutrition Services and Child/Family/School

Partnerships, May 2005

School Celebrations, North Carolina (NC) Division of Public

Health, NC Department of Public Instruction, NC Cooperative

Extension, and NC Action for Healthy Kids.

www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/programs_tools/school/docs/

food_standards/school_celebrations.pdf

6Healthy School Parties


Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of

obesity in children and teens age 6-19 has

tripled. The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) estimates one third of children

born in 2000 will develop diabetes unless serious

changes are made in nutrition choices and

exercise. And, by 2050 an estimated 48 million

United States residents are expected to be

diagnosed with diabetes. Despite these figures,

physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE)

in schools continues to decline due to numerous

financial and academic demands upon schools.

In the United States, only 32 percent of children

participate in PE daily and many schools have

eliminated or reduced recess time.

Advocating for an increase in PA or PE in

your child’s school can have a big impact. The

recommendations for PE from the National

6P.A.R.E.N.T. Process Physical Activity and Physical Education

Association of Sports and Physical Education

(NASPE) suggest students get 150 minutes of

instruction per week for grades K-5. Ohio school

districts reported in 2006-07 an average of

66.83 minutes of instruction per week. Outside

of school, the CDC recommends 60 minutes of PA

each day for children and teens, yet less than 25

percent of children participate in 30 minutes of

PA and nearly half of young people 12-21 years

of age are not vigorously active. School based

interventions are promising for youth and may

prevent sedentary behavior among adults by

maintaining the habit of PA throughout the

school years. With evidence that success in this

area is possible, every effort should be made to

encourage schools to require daily PE in each

grade and to promote PA that can be enjoyed

throughout life.


P.A.R.E.N.T. PROCESS

Pick a Project - Physical Activity (PA) and/or Physical Education (PE)

Assess the Situation1. Find out if PE is offered daily. Does PE meet the recommended

amount of time (150 minutes of PE for elementary students a

week and 225 minutes per week for middle and high school

students)?

2. Find out what types of PA your child’s school offers. Is there a

walking program, activity clubs or other opportunities for PA?

3. Do elementary schools schedule adequate time for daily recess?

4. Is there time for PA breaks incorporated into academic

subjects?

5. Decide whether increased PA or PE is needed.

Research1. Look into the importance of PE and PA in school and the

relationship between PA and academic achievement.

2. Look into evidenced based PE and PA program options.

Many prepackaged programs are available for schools that

can assist in implementing developmentally appropriate

programs.

3. Use the resources below for additional help.

4. Identify advocates within the school (PE teachers, coaches,

principal, nurse, intramural organizers, afterschool program

directors).

Educate1. Share the research you have found and ideas for school

success.

2. Inform the school of your concern, current situation, and

options for improvement, success stories and possible costs.



4. Use position statements to help support your cause. They

are very helpful to review and use as support for your cause.

NASPE provides Position Statements on quality physical

education, recess, afterschool physical activity programs and

youth sports.

Network1. Gather the support of parents, committed school staff and

concerned citizens.

6Physical Activity and Physical Education


2. A network will allow you to offer the school volunteers, raise

funds for new PA and PE equipment, research more PA and PE

options and/or promote further change.

Take Action1. Petition the school/administration to add PA, PE and/or recess

requirements to the school’s existing Wellness Policy.

2. Implement changes the school and parents have agreed upon

such as increased PE and/or recess time, short PA classroom

breaks, additional developmentally appropriate programs and

structured activities.

Ideas for Success1. Many PE instructors indicate their number one need is

equipment. PTA funds could be used to purchase balls,

pedometers, afterschool program kits and other materials to

promote PA.

2. PA in the classroom can be combined with academic subjects.

3. Form a “Walking School Bus” and gather volunteers to walk

groups of students to school on a rotating basis. Refer to the

P.A.R.E.N.T. Process section on creating a Walking School Bus.

ResourcesAction for Healthy Kids

Numerous Ideas, Resources and Facts on PA.



ReCharge! Energizing After-School Kit

www.ActionforHealthyKids.org/special_after.php

Action for Healthy Kids’ Fact Sheet

Building the Argument: The Need for Physical Education and

Physical Activity in Our Schools

www.ActionforHealthyKids.org

Michigan Team Nutrition

Physical Activity Information and Links for Parents, Teachers

and Children

www.tn.fcs.msue.msu.edu

Take 10: Getting Kids Active 10 Minutes at a Time - Classroom

Based Physical Activity and Curriculum Tool

www.take10.net



American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation

and Dance

www.aahperd.org

Colorado Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness

www.shapeupchallenge.org

PE Links 4 U

Physical Education Resources and Links for K-12th Grades

www.pelinks4u.org

Rescuing Recess

Advocacy Information for Parents, Teachers and Kids

www.rescuingrecess.com

OPI Recess Before Lunch Policy: Kids Play and Then Eat

www.opi.state.mt.us/schoolfood/recessBL.html

KidsWalk-to-School

CDC’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Information

and Resources on Increasing Awareness of Walking Programs,

Encouraging Students to Participate, Walking School Buses, Pre-

Packaged PowerPoints and More

www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/kidswalk/

Walking School Bus

“How to” Guides, Basic Information, Evaluations, Workability

Checklist, Program Examples and Pedestrian Safety

www.walkingschoolbus.org

ReferencesNHANES data on the Prevalence of Overweight Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 2003–2004. CDC National Center for Health Statistics, Health E-Stat. www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/overweight

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; “Preventing Diabetes and It’s Complications”, www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/factsheets/prevention/diabetes/htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; “Preventing Diabetes and It’s Complications”, www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/factsheets/prevention/diabetes/htm

National PTA and Parents’ Action for Children, Healthy Lifestyles at Home and School. Fact Sheet: The Need for Physical Education and Physical Activity in Our Schools.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; “Physical Activity and Health” www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/summ.htm

PE survey information (Physical Education Survey Report to the Ohio General Assembly) can be accessed at: http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=1793&ContentID=44006&Content=60259



Program Name Grade/Age Goal(s) Contact InformationAnimal Trackers Pre-K, 3-5

years

increase amount of •structured physical

activity (PA) in

preschool children

Healthy-Start, LLC

P.O. Box 115

Huntington, NY 11743

1.613.549.0010

www.healthy-start.com

The SPARK

Programs (Sports,

Play, and Active

Recreation for Kids)

After School (AS) -

Active Recreation

Pre-K - 8th doubled student •PA during physical

education (PE) classes

improved sports and •activity skills

improved cardiorespiratory •fitness and muscular

endurance in girls

improved academic •achievement

Paul Rosengard, PhD

Executive Director

The SPARK Programs

438 Camino Del Rio South

Suite 110

San Diego, CA 92108

1.800.SPARKPE, ext. 208

(1.800.772.7573, ext. 208)

www.sparkpe.org

TAKE 10! K - 5th reduce sedentary time •during the day

add structured 10 •minute bouts of PA to

classroom

Shannon Williams

Program Manager

Physical Activity & Nutrition

(PAN)

ILSI Center for Health

Promotion

2295 Parklake Drive, Suite 450

Atlanta, GA 30345

1.770.934.1010

www.take10.net

CATCH (Coordinated

Approach To Child

Health)

K - 5th increase the amount •of PE class time that

students spend in

moderate to vigorous PA

to 40%

FlagHouse

601 FlagHouse Drive

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

07604-3116

1.800.793.7900

www.catchtexas.org

6Physical Activity Curricula and Programs


Program Name Grade/Age Goal(s) Contact InformationEat Well & Keep

Moving

Upper

elementary

(4th and 5th

grades)

increase fruit and •vegetable intake

decrease total and •saturated fat

increase moderate to •vigorous PA

decrease T.V. viewing•

Human Kinetics Publishers,

Inc.

P.O. Box 5076

Champaign, IL 61825-5076

1.800.747.4457

www.humankinetics.com

Planet Health Adolescent

(6th and 7th

grades)

decrease T.V. viewing•increase fruit and •vegetable intake

decrease fat intake•increase PA•

Healthy Hearts 5th and 6th

grades

significant increases •in overall PA, nutrition,

and tobacco use

knowledge

Eloise Elliot

Executive Director - Healthy

Hearts; Professor of Physical

Education - Concord College

Athens, WV 24712

1.304.384.5345

www.healthyhearts4kids.org

Generation Fit Students ages

11 - 18

students take part in •community service

projects that promote

more PA and healthier

eating among their

friends and families,

and in their schools and

communities

American Cancer Society

1.800.ACS.2345

(1.800.227.2345)

www.cancer.org



Program Name Grade/Age Goal(s) Contact InformationTeam Nutrition Pre-K - 12th motivate children in •

grades pre-K through 12

to make healthy eating

choices

USDA Team Nutrition

3101 Park Center Drive, Room 632

Alexandria, VA 22302

1.703.305.1624

www.fns.usda.gov/tn/

Kids Walk to School

Day

Elementary

and Middle

School

students

children walk and bike •to/from school

KidsWalk-to-School

Centers for Disease Control &

Prevention

4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS/K-46

Atlanta, GA 30341

www.cdc.gov

Bright Futures Children,

Adolescents,

and Families

focus areas:•oral health

nutrition

mental health

physical activity

Bright Futures Project

Georgetown University

Box 571272

Washington D.C. 20057-1272

1.202.784.9556

www.brightfutures.org

Smart Stepping Elementary

through

College

a program incorporating •movement, walking,

math, health and

physical education,

active living and

learning

Rober Sweetgall

Creative Walking, Inc.

P.O. Box 4190

McCall, ID 83638

1.888.421.9255 (toll free)

www.creativewalking.com

Mind & Body

Activities for

the Elementary

Classroom June 2003

Elementary reduce sedentary time •during the school day

add structured 10 •minute bouts of activity

to classroom

Montana Office of Public

Instruction Health

Enhancement Division

P.O. Box 202501

Helena, MT 59620-2501

1.406.444.3178

Email: [email protected]



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) recommend 60 minutes of physical

activity (PA) each day for children and teens, yet

less than 25 percent of children participate in 30

minutes of PA and nearly half of young people

12-21 years of age are not vigorously active.

School based interventions such as walking

programs are promising for youth because they

help to maintain the habit of PA throughout the

school years.

Walking programs are simple; they provide

structured times that are set aside for children

6P.A.R.E.N.T. Process Walking Programs

to walk. The time could be before or after school,

during recess or PE class. Many prefabricated

walking programs already exist for teachers,

parents and schools who want to assist children

in becoming more active and promote the

development of healthy lifestyles among students.

Walking programs can be used to rally students

together to achieve a common goal. Examples

include programs sponsored by the American

Cancer Society and American Heart Association.


P.A.R.E.N.T. Process

Pick a Project - Walking Programs

Assess the Situation1. Find out if your child’s school participates in walking programs.

2. Observe recess. Is it an active environment? Are all the

children participating?

3. Is there an opportunity before or after school to initiate a

walking program?

4. Decide if a walking program initiative is needed.

Research1. Investigate types of walking programs, such as America on

the Move, Walk with the Principal, 100-mile Club, Travel the

Globe or Mile-Walk Challenge.

2. Investigate school success stories listed on the Ohio Action for

Healthy Kids web page, www.OhioActionforHealthyKids.org.

Click on the Success Story menu item.

3. Explore materials needed for program/s you might pursue.

Estimate the cost involved.

4. Investigate and identify advocates within the school (PE

teachers, principal, nurse, coach).

Educate1. Share the information you have gathered.

2. Inform the school of your concern, current situation, program

options, cost, advocates and success stories.

3. Present information at the next PTA meeting on the

importance of students being active during the school day.

4. Ask about obstacles that will need to be addressed before


Network

1. Gather the support of parents, school staff and concerned

community members.

2. A network will allow you to offer the school volunteers to

help with the walking program, raise funds and/or promote

further change.

Take Action1. Implement the program/s of choice.

2. Organize volunteers to plot out a safe walking path and

supervise students.

3. Start walking!

6W

alking Programs

“Is there an

opportunity before

or after school to

initiate a walking

program?”


Ideas for Success1. School principals walk with elementary students for 10

minutes each morning.

2. Reward students with a walk with the principal. Once a week

the principal and selected students walk 15 minutes or a mile

around the school.

3. Teachers walk with students around the track each day

during recess.

4. Children wear pedometers during the school day and track

their distance over the course of a semester.

ResourcesKidsWalk-to-School

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Program information and resources on increasing awareness of

walking programs, encouraging students’ participation, Walking

School Buses, pre-packaged PowerPoints and more…

www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/kidswalk/resources.htm

Walk to School: “How To” information, walking program ideas,

walkability checklist, and more…

www.walktoschool.org

Creative Walking

School Walking Program Ideas and Kits (Material Fee)

www.creativewalking.com/school-fm.html

America on the Move

Information on healthy eating and active living for families and

communities

www.AmericaOnTheMove.org

Ideas from KidsWalk-to-School1. Walking Wednesdays – Designate the first Wednesday of the

month, or every Wednesday as Walk to School Wednesday.

2. Class-By-Class Walking Competitions – Reward the class that

has the greatest percentage of students walking to school at

least three days a week, and the one that collectively walks the

greatest distance.

3. Walk to School Opportunities – Not all children live close

enough to walk, so provide recess or PE time for walking so

that all classes have an equal opportunity.

4. Park and Walk – Designate areas ¼ to ½ mile from school

where parents can drop off children and they can safely walk

the remaining distance to school. This assures that even

children who must be driven to school get to take part in the

fun and enjoy the benefits.

6W

alking Programs


5. Travel the Globe – Keep track of your class’s or school’s

accumulated walking distance and set a goal to walk to a

specific destinations such as the Great Wall of China or New

York City. Study your destination and plan a party based on

the local culture for when you “arrive.”

ReferenceCenters for Disease Control and Prevention; “Physical Activity and Health” www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/summ.htm

6W

alking Programs


6P.A.R.E.N.T. Process Walking School BusTen percent of children walk to school in the

U.S. Only 25% of children living within a

mile of school walk there on a regular basis. A

Walking School Bus can be a great and safe way

to get children to and from school. It can improve

the physical activity levels of students who live

within a mile of the school, and it is an excellent

approach to help combat the increasing obesity

rates of Ohio’s school children. Also, as you will

see, it can be an excellent fitness program for the

adults in the community, too.

A Walking School Bus is similar to the concept

of a regular school bus except the children’s feet

take the place of the engine and wheels. Children

are ‘picked up’ and ‘dropped off’ daily from a

designated ‘bus stop,’ just like a regular school

bus. Trained adult volunteers act as ‘bus drivers’

and supervise the children as they walk quickly

and safely to and from school.


P.A.R.E.N.T Process

Pick a Project - Walking School Bus

Assess the Situation1. Find out approximately how many students walk to school.

Check the resource list below for surveys and guides to get

you started.

2. Investigate whether the sidewalks around the school allow for

safe walking and biking to school. The KidsWalk-to-School

website has a walkability checklist available.

3. Notice areas of traffic congestion around the school before

and after classes.

Research1. Investigate the Walking School Bus concept, procedures and

school success stories. Check the resource list below for help.

Educate1. Work with the school and administration and inform them of

your interest, current situation and success stories.

2. Share the program ideas at PTA meetings.

3. Begin to plan safe walking and biking routes to school.

Request help from the school’s transportation coordinator,

local government and/or police department.

4. Develop a list of rules, policies, procedures and trainings for

the Walking School Bus volunteers to use. The Pennsylvania

Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA) Walking School

Bus Guide contains sample policies and procedures.

5. Ask about other obstacles that may need to be addressed

before change can take place.

Network1. Gather support from parents, committed school staff and

concerned community members.

2. A network will allow you to offer the school volunteers,

plan the Walking School Bus, promote the concept to the

community and students and/or petition the school.

Take Action1. Publicize the start of the Walking School Bus Program to

students, families and the surrounding community.

2. Train volunteers and enroll students in the program.

3. Start walking!

6W

alking School Bus

“Investigate whether

the sidewalks around

the school allow for

safe walking and

biking to school.”


Ideas for Success1. PANA has excellent resources for Walking School Buses.

2. Refer to the resources list for details

Resources PANA Walking School Bus Guide

“How to” Guides: establishing a program, planning routes,

customizable resources and more...

www.panaonline.org/programs/khz/actionkits/wsb/establish.php

Walking School Bus

“How to” Guides, Basic Information, Evaluations, Walkability

Checklist, Program Examples and Pedestrian Safety

www.walkingschoolbus.org

Walk to School

“How To” information, walking program ideas, walkability

checklist, and more…

www.walktoschool.org

KidsWalk-to-School

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s nutrition and

physical activity program information and resources on

increasing awareness of walking programs, encouraging

students to participate, Walking School Buses, Pre-Packaged

PowerPoints and more….

www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/kidswalk/index.htm

6W

alking School Bus


6P.A.R.E.N.T. Process ResourcesTip Sheets for Parents

There are many small steps you can take to

create a healthier environment for your

child at home and at school. The following

section highlights some practical, everyday tips

for parents to utilize now. Feel free to copy these

handouts and pass them on to other interested

parents. From fundraising ideas that promote

physical activity to birthday parties that feature

healthy snacks, from the classroom to the living

room, these handouts are useful resources for the

parent who wants to emphasize the importance

of a healthy lifestyle.

Remember these are only suggestions, and are

meant to serve as a guide. There are plenty of

creative ways to make your child’s health and

wellness a fun and all-inclusive activity - this is

just the beginning.


Fundraising at School

Benefits of Healthy FundraisingA healthy school environment goes beyond school meals

in the cafeteria. All foods available on school property can

promote and support student wellness, healthy food choices,

and physical activity. Even with fundraising the healthy

eating message can be reinforced when healthy food choices

are selected for fundraising items. Many resources and

websites are now available to offer alternatives to selling

candy or baked goods. Help your school select a creative

fundraising option.

Healthy Ideas1. Replace fundraisers that sell low-nutrition foods with non-

food products or healthier food products.

2. Ask fundraising companies to provide your school with

fundraising catalogs that feature only non-food or healthy

food products.

3. Hold school fundraisers in restaurants where most menu

options are healthy choices.

4. Ask students for ideas that are healthy and will be popular

and profitable with students.

5. Ask for or choose companies that feature either images of

healthier foods and beverages or school logos on the front of

vending machines.

6. Encourage non-food or healthy food fundraisers with

parents, teachers, and students by giving them a list of

healthy food and non-food fundraiser ideas.

7. School fundraisers involving food items should not

compete with foods offered in the school cafeteria for

breakfast and/or lunch and should not be sold before or

during breakfast or lunch time.

8. Schools can and should establish specific nutrition

standards for all food items sold as fundraisers.

9. Nutrition information for all foods sold should be visible

on the food package or made available to purchasers.

10. Fundraisers using food items that do not meet

established nutrition standards should not be allowed

during school hours and within ½ hour before and ½ hour

after school.

Fundraising IdeasHealthy Food IdeasBottled water with school name/logo

Gift baskets of fruit or cheese

Fresh or exotic fruit

High quality produce items

Naturally low-fat pretzels

Specialty shaped pastas

Boxes of citrus fruit

Popcorn

Nuts or trail mix

Fruit smoothies

Activity-Related Skate night/Skate-a-thons

Jog-a-thons/Walk-a-thons

Jump rope-a-thons

Bike-a-thons

Tennis/horseshoe competitions

Golf tournament

Bowling night

3-on-3 basketball tournament

School SpiritMugs, magnets, hats, frisbees,

megaphones, stadium cushions

Clothing

License plate frames

Buttons, pins, stickers

Student directories

Fun and EntertainingDances

Talent shows/Plays

Family game night

Magic shows

School art drawings

Singing telegrams

Flowers

Golf tournaments

Carnivals/festivals


Sports camps for younger children

Craft sales

Auctions

Raffle off gift baskets, gift

certificates, VIP parking spaces,

movie tickets, school event tickets

Community-RelatedCustomized signs

Family portraits

Gift wrapping

Conference/Workshop

Book fairs

Grocery Store - many chains

disburse a percentage of shopper’s

purchases to a designated school

Dinner/silent auction

Bricks with engraved donor names

Rummage or clothing sale

Rent-A-Teen-Helper (rake leaves,

water gardens, mow lawns)

Selling local agriculture products

Recycling cans, paper, ink

cartridges

Car emergency kits

Car washes

Material-RelatedCandles, jewelry, bath accessories,

home decorations, ornaments,

greeting cards, stationery, books,

calendars, magazines, cookbooks,

coffee, spices

Computer software

Plants, flowers, bulbs, seeds

Stone, brick or tile memorials

Coupon books/discount cards

CDs/DVDs

Temporary tattoos

Magazine subscriptions

*Fundraisers involving raffles,

bingo, number games, etc. may

have to be registered by the state.

11. Fundraising activities should not be held during class time.

12. Parent/community support groups unrelated to the

school, which are engaging in fundraising may request

participation of high school students, in fundraising

activities after school hours.

13. Parent/community support groups which are related to

the school should be asked to follow the established school

fundraising guidelines.

14. Home-baked goods may be sold by an organization

during school hours on no more than three occasions during

any 90-day period and should follow the established school

fundraising guidelines.

Fundraisers that Undermine Children’s Diet and HealthGiven the rising obesity rates and children’s poor diets,

many schools are reconsidering whether selling low-

nutrition foods is an appropriate way to raise money.

Examples of fundraisers that undermine a healthy diets are

listed below:

bake sales•candy, cookie dough and doughnut sales•pizza or pizza kit sales•restaurant fundraisers (fast-food restaurants offer a •school a cut of the sales on a week night)

label redemption programs (families purchase products •and turn the labels in to the school which redeems them

for school supplies or money)

sale of foods and beverages of poor nutritional quality •through a la carte, vending or school stores on campus

Website Links for Non-food or Healthy Fundraising Ideas and Additional Guidelines:www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/cdic/cpns/powerplay/download/PP_

ParentTipSheets_Fundraising_03-07.pdf

www.healthysd.gov/Documents/HealthyFundraisingIdeas.pdf

www.ActionForHealthyKids.org/filelib/resources/

fundraisingtips.pdf

www.ActionForHealthyKids.org/filelib/resources/CSPI%20

Healthy%20Fundraising%20Report.pdf


Healthy School Parties

Benefits of Healthy School PartiesFoods offered in the many different settings of the

school environment can support the lessons taught in the

classroom and encourage students to be healthy and fit.

Schools are a natural place to help students learn lessons

about good nutrition and healthy lifestyles and students can

practice these lessons often, such as, during school parties.

Healthy celebrations can:

Help children learn better. Research shows that good •nutrition is linked to better behavior and academic

performance in the classroom.

Provide consistent messages. Healthy classroom •celebrations demonstrate a school’s commitment to

promoting healthy behaviors.

Promote a healthy school environment. Students can •receive consistent, reliable, health information and an

opportunity to use it.

Create excitement about nutrition. Children are excited •about new and different things including healthy snacks.

Healthy Ideas1. Choose foods that are high in nutrients and low in fat,

sugar and sodium.

2. Consider combining student birthday parties into one

monthly event that incorporates physical activity and

healthy snacks.

3. Foods offered should add to the fun, but try to avoid

making food the main focus.

4. Foods offered should support lessons taught in the

classroom regarding nutrition and physical activity.

5. Remind parents to provide healthy treats for students

during school parties.

6. Consider ethnic and medical food restrictions and

allergies when providing classroom snacks.

Seasonal Celebration IdeasBirthday PartiesThere are many ways of making the birthday child feel special:

Single them out with a “VIP” button, badge or crown•Have the birthday child be the first to do each classroom •activity and/or be the line leader for the day.

Healthy Party FoodSnacksFresh fruit and vegetables

Yogurt

Bagels with low-fat cream cheese

Baby carrots with low-fat dip

Trail mix

Animal crackers

Baked chips

Low-fat popcorn

Granola bars

Soft pretzels and mustard

Pudding

String cheese

Cereal bars

Fresh fruit and cheese kabobs

Fresh fruit tray with yogurt dip

Dried fruit (banana chips, apple

chips, craisins, raisins, etc.)

Cheese and crackers

Rice cakes

Graham crackers

Bagel chips

100% fruit snacks

Tortilla chips and salsa

Apples and caramel dip

EntreesCheese pizza

Ham or turkey and cheese wraps

Quesadillas or bean burritos

with salsa

BeveragesWater

100% fruit juice

Fruit smoothies

Low-fat milk

-


Book Donation - A great way to build up the classroom •library and recognize the child. Have the child’s family

donate a book and inside label it “this book was donated

to Mrs. Smith’s classroom in honor of John Jones’ 8th

birthday.

Christmas, Hanukah, KwanzaaThese holidays provide the opportunity to focus on

community outreach. Instead of throwing a party have each

class pool its efforts in honor of a worthy cause.

Examples include:

decorating pillowcases to give to a homeless shelter.•making holiday cards for a nursing home.•collecting animal treats for the SPCA.•

EasterDecorate plastic or rubber eggs with paints, stickers and

glitter. The Easter Bunny can hide small toys or coins inside

plastic eggs for hunting. Easter baskets can be filled with

books, legos, art supplies or washable stuffed animals, or

other smaller trinkets available online.

HalloweenThere’s more to Halloween than candy. Change the focus by

looking at other aspects of the holiday.

Let the students wear their costumes to school. •Make Halloween into a drama day where kids get to make •their own costumes or masks and act out their own plays.

Explore the history and legends behind Halloween.•

ThanksgivingThanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have and

for the people we have in our lives. Have students share what

they are thankful for by writing a poem, drawing a picture

or telling a story.

Valentine’s DayHave students write down one positive comment about each

classmate, e.g. “you’re a good friend” or “you have a nice

smile,” and pass them out as valentines.

Adapted from:Friedman, R. (2005). Community Action to Change School

Food Policy: An Organizing Kit. Boston, MA: Massachusetts

Public Health Association (p. 63-64).

Non-Food TreatsPencils

Erasers

Pencil toppers

Temporary tattoos

Stickers

Recipe IdeasCrispy Cheese Critters1 pack whole wheat tortillas

2 cups grated cheese

½ cup bacon bits

Assorted Cookie Cutters

Cut out shapes in the tortillas with

cookie cutters. Place shapes on

cookie tray and top with cheese

and bacon bits. Broil 3-5 minutes

and allow to cool.

Yogurt Parfaits½ cup Vanilla low-fat yogurt

¼ cup Chopped fruit (frozen or

fresh)

¼ cup Low-fat granola

Put yogurt into single serving

cup. Top with fruit and then

granola.

To check the nutritional value of

your child’s snack, log on to:

www. Snackwise.org


Healthy School Snacks

Benefits of Healthy SnacksServing healthy snacks to children is important to providing

good nutrition, supporting lifelong healthy eating habits,

and helping to prevent costly and potentially-disabling

diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood

pressure and obesity. Snacks play a major and growing role

in children’s diets. Between 1977 and 1996, the number of

calories that children consumed from snacks increased by

120 calories per day.

Below are ideas for teachers, caregivers, program directors,

and parents for serving healthy snacks and beverages to

children in the classroom, in afterschool programs, at soccer

games, and elsewhere. Some ideas may be practical for large

groups of children, while other ideas may only work for small

groups, depending on the work and cost involved.

Fruits and VegetablesMost of the snacks served to children should be fruits and

vegetables, since most kids do not eat the recommended five

to thirteen servings of fruit and vegetables each day. Eating

fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer

and high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables also contain

important nutrients like vitamins A and C and fiber.

Serving fresh fruits and vegetables can seem challenging.

However, good planning and the growing number of shelf-

stable fruits and vegetable products on the market make

it easier. Though some think fruits and vegetables are

costly snacks, they are actually less costly than many other

less-healthful snacks on a per-serving basis. According

to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of

a serving of a fruit or vegetable (all types - fresh, frozen,

and canned) is 25 cents per serving. This is a good deal

compared with a 69-cent single-serve bag of potato chips

or an 80-cent candy bar. Try lots of different fruits and

vegetables and prepare them in various ways to find out

what your kids like best.

Healthy GrainsThough most kids eat plenty of grain products, too many

of those grains are cookies, snack cakes, sugary cereals,

Snack IdeasHealthy IdeasServe snacks with fun plates,

napkins, cups, or straws.

Have a tasting party where

children can vote for their favorite

healthy snacks.

FruitApplesauce

Dried fruit

Frozen fruit

Fruit leathers

Fruit salad

Popsicles

Fruit kabobs

Smoothies

VegetablesRaw vegetables with low-fat salad

dressing or dip

Salad

Soy (edamame are fun to eat

and easy to serve)

Veggie pockets

Ants on a log

Whole GrainsWhole wheat pitas or tortillas

English muffins

Breakfast cereal

Crackers

Rice Cakes

Popcorn

Baked tortilla chips

Granola

Cereal bars

Pretzels

Breadsticks

Flatbreads


Rice Krispy treats, and other refined grains that are high

in sugars or fat. Try to serve mostly whole grains, which

provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined

grains. In addition, try to keep the added sugars to less than

35% by weight and the saturated and trans fat low (i.e. less

than 10% of calories, or about one gram or less per serving).

Low-Fat DairyDairy goods are a great source of calcium, which can help

to build strong bones. However, dairy products also are the

biggest sources of artery-clogging saturated fat in kids’

diets. To protect children’s bones and hearts, make sure all

dairy foods served are low-fat or fat-free.

Healthy BeveragesWater should be the main drink served to kids at snack

times. Water satisfies thirst and does not have sugar or

calories. (Plus, it is low-cost for caregivers!) If kids are used

to getting sweetened beverages at snack times, it may take a

little time for them to get used to drinking water.

Carbonated drinks like seltzer, sparkling water and club

soda are healthy options. They do not contain the sugars,

calories and caffeine of sodas. Serve them alone or try

making “healthy sodas” by mixing them with equal amounts

of 100% fruit juice.

Milk provides key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D.

Choose fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk to avoid the heart-

damaging saturated fat found in whole and 2% (reduced-

fat) milk. It is best to serve fat-free versions of chocolate,

strawberry, or other flavored milks to help balance the

extra calories coming from added sugars. Singe serving

containers of chocolate or other flavored whole or 2% milk

drinks can be too high in calories (400-550 calories) and

saturated fat (1/3 of a day’s worth) to be a healthy beverage

for kids. Soy and rice drinks are good alternatives for

children who prefer not to drink cow’s milk.

Try to buy 100% fruit juice and avoid the added sugars of

juice drinks, punches, fruit cocktail drinks or lemonade.

To find 100% juice, look at beverage nutrition labels for the

percentage of the beverage that is juice.

Adapted from:“Healthy School Snacks.” Center for Science in the Public Interest.

DairyLow-fat cheese

Yogurt

Low-fat pudding

Low-fat frozen yogurt

Other Snack IdeasNuts - peanuts, almonds, walnuts,

pistachios, cashews, or soy nuts

Trail mix - combine low-fat

granola, whole grain cereal,

peanuts, cashews, almonds, and

dried fruit

Luncheon meat - choose lower-fat,

reduced-sodium brands of turkey,

ham and roast beef and serve with

whole wheat bread, pita, tortilla,

or crackers

BeveragesOrange, grapefruit and pineapple

juices are more nutrient-dense and

are healthier than apple, grape, or

pear juices.


Tips for Parents

You can increase physical activity in your children’s day

by making it fun, being a physical activity role model, and

participating in activities with your kids. Supporting them

to lead an active lifestyle now with at least 60 minutes of

physical activity daily helps them to grow up to become

active, healthy adults. Below are a few tips for promoting

active play and reaching that 60-minutes-a-day goal.

At SchoolSupervise an afterschool physical activity club, or •volunteer to help with a family fitness night.

Team up with other parents to form “walking school •buses” to walk groups of kids to the bus stop or take part

in “Walk to School” day: www.walktoschool.org.

Promote and support scheduled time for daily physical •activity in your child’s school, such as physical education

class and recess.

At HomeWhen your children say they are bored, jump start •their bodies and imaginations by challenging them to

combine elements of two games or sports to create a new

activity.

Incorporate physical activities into birthday parties, •family gatherings and when your kids’ friends come over

to play.

Assist your children in choosing physically active •afterschool programs that offer choices and meet their

interests.

Give gifts that encourage movement, such as a jump •rope, skate board or baseball glove.

Turn on music and dance with your children, or use it to •liven up chore time inside and outside of the home.

In the CommunityLearn which sports and activities your kids enjoy doing •and locate lessons or clubs for them. Some children

thrive on team sports; others like individual activities or

being active with friends in a noncompetitive way.

60 Minutes is the GoalDid you know?Only 28% of children in the Unites

States attend physical education

classes daily, so kids need your

support and encouragement to be

active-especially outside of school-

for at least 60 minutes a day.

The lack of physical activity among

children contributes to health

problems. Healthy habits must

begin early in life-with your help.


Take advantage of your city’s recreational opportunities-•from soccer leagues to “fun runs” to walking tours.

Involve your children in jobs or community service •activities that they enjoy and that get them moving, such

as planting in the local park or helping neighbors with

cleaning, dog walking or yard work.

Find outdoor activities through nature groups or hiking •clubs, for example, and take your family on an outing.

On Outings or TripsInstead of touring in an automobile, explore different •sights on foot or on a bike.

Plan family outings and vacations that involve walking, •swimming, bicycling or paddling.

Adapted from:“Tips for Parents.” The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, the Department of Health and Human Services,

and the National Association for Sport and Physical

Education.


Food Allergies

Food Allergies Are...A reaction to food that isn’t normal. The body’s immune

system gets confused. Within minutes (or in up to 2 hours) it

triggers symptoms that may seem like an illness:

sneezing, runny nose, coughing, difficulty breathing or •wheezing (asthma);

itchy skin or eyes, rash or swelling; and/or•nausea, diarrhea, gas, pain or cramps.•

Most allergic reactions are just uncomfortable. But a small

percentage of people have severe reactions that can threaten

their lives. Symptoms that seem like allergies may be other

serious health problems. Find out!

If You Suspect a Food AllergyHave your child checked by your health care provider. That’s

the only way to know if your child really has a food allergy.

If so, being under a doctor’s care is essential!

Skip any urge to diagnose an allergy yourself. If you take

away food, such as milk, your child might miss nutrients

needed to grow and stay healthy.

Help Your Child Manage a Food Allergy and Eat HealthfullyAbout 1 out of 20 children is allergic to at least one food.

There’s good news! Except for peanuts and tree nuts, most

children will outgrow food allergies. Until then, here’s what

you can do:

Get help. You can’t be an instant expert. Your health care

provider can help.

Avoid offering problem foods! Be aware: foods that

cause allergies can be ingredients in mixed foods.

Find out about food substitutes. You need to know

other foods with the nutrients your child would miss. Try to

create dishes your whole family can enjoy.

Common Food AllergiesFor Children:Peanuts

Milk

Eggs

Tree nuts (such as pecans,

almonds, cashews, walnuts)

Soy

Wheat

For Adults:Peanuts

Tree nuts

Fish

Shellfish (especially shrimp)

Studies show that the number of

children with food allergies is

increasing (Weiss, 2004).

Although there are many theories,

the reason for this increase is

unknown. Eight percent of

American children and 4% of

all Americans suffer from food

allergies (Health and Human

Services [HHS], 2004).


Read the ingredient list on food labels. That’s

how to tell if a packaged food has the problem ingredient.

Tell all caregivers. Bring a note from your child’s

health care provider to the day care center. Tell babysitters,

grandparents, other relatives and friends! Explain what

foods to avoid and why.

Order carefully for your child when you eat out. Ask about the ingredients.

Take food from home. If you are not sure about food at a

day care, restaurant or someone’s home, pack food for your

child.

Role-play with your child. Practice what to do when

someone who doesn’t know about the food allergy offers food.

ResourcesFood Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)

FAAN works to raise public awareness, to provide advocacy

and education, and to advance research on behalf of all those

affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis.

http://www.foodallergy.org

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

AAFA provides practical information, community based

services, and support through a national network of

chapters and support groups. AAFA develops health

education, organizes state and

national advocacy efforts, and funds research to find better

treatments and cures.

http://www.aafa.org

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

(AAAAI)

The AAAAI represents allergists, clinical immunologists,

allied health professionals, and others with a special interest

in treating and researching diseases such as allergic

rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis/eczema, and anaphylaxis.

The AAAAI Web site provides many resources for patients

and for healthcare professionals.

http://www.aaaai.org

Adapted from:United States Department of

Agriculture, Food and Nutrition

Service

“Food Allergies, or Just Food

Fussiness?” Nibbles for Health:

Newsletters for Parents of Young

Children

National Food Service

Management Institute

“Meeting Children’s Special Food

and Nutrition Needs in Child

Nutrition Programs.”


Concessions at School

Benefits of Healthy ConcessionsSchools can send a positive nutrition message by ensuring

the foods sold in concessions and vending machines actively

promote healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, whole

grains, and low-fat dairy. Studies show that:

The sale of healthy foods can be profitable.•Students will buy and consume healthy foods and •beverages when those options are tasty, easily accessible

and priced right.

School food service and vending programs can continue •to make money while offering healthy food and beverage

options to students. Some schools have made more

money by offering healthy options.

Parents appreciate the availability of healthy options for •themselves and their children.

Healthy Ideas1. Price healthy options at a lower cost than other items.

Make up the cost difference by increasing the price of candy

and soft drinks.

2. Place healthier foods and beverages in “prime” locations,

such as at students’ eye level.

3. Offer free samples of new healthy products.

4. Give discount coupons for healthy items.

5. Use a school mascot symbol to designate healthy choices.

6. Limit candy choices.

7. Offer diet & caffeine-free soda pop.

8. Use smaller portion-sized snack bags and candy bars;

avoid “king-size.”

9. Limit beverage portion sizes to 12 ounces or less.

10. No maximum serving size for water and non-caloric

drinks.

11. Offer only fat-free, 1% or 2% milk for either plain or

flavored milk.

12. Where possible, reduced calorie items should be offered

next to non-reduced calorie items, i.e. low-fat yogurt vs.

regular yogurt.

Healthy Concession IdeasGrilled chicken sandwich

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Bagels with low-fat cream cheese

Granola bars

Pizza (no extra cheese and only

one meat item)

String cheese

Milk, water, 100% juice

Sub sandwiches

Low-fat yogurt

Trail mix

Nuts and seeds

Animal crackers

Low-fat popcorn

Soft pretzels and mustard

Low-fat pudding

Salsa and baked tortilla chips

Fruit smoothies

Cereal bar

Chili

Pasta salad with low-fat dressing

Graham crackers

100% fruit snacks

Crackers with cheese

Baked potatoes with cheese,

chili and salsa

Salads


Non-Food Rewards

Importance of Using Alternatives to Food as a RewardAt school, home and throughout the community kids

are offered food as a reward for “good” behavior. Often

these foods have little or no nutritional value but are easy,

inexpensive and can bring about short-term behavior

change.

There are many disadvantages to using food as a reward:

It undermines nutrition education being taught in the •school environment.

It encourages overconsumption of foods high in added •sugar and fat.

It teaches kids to eat when they are not hungry as a •reward to themselves.

Kids learn preferences for foods made available to them,

including those that are unhealthy. Poor food choices and

inadequate physical activity contribute to overweight and

obesity. Currently, obesity among kids is at epidemic levels

and can often lead to serious health problems.

Low-Cost Alternatives to Food as a Rewardselect a paperback book•enter a drawing for donated prizes•take a trip to the treasure box (non-food items)•get stickers, pencils, and other school supplies•receive a video store or movie theater coupon•get a set of flash cards printed from a computer•receive a “mystery pack” (notepad, folder, sports, •cards, etc.)

Adapted from:Michigan Department of Community Health’s

Cardiovascular Health, Nutrition & Physical Activity Section

at Lincoln Elementary School in South Haven, Michigan.

Alternative RewardsZero-Cost ItemsSit by friends

Teach the class

Watch a video

Listen to a book on CD

Make deliveries to the office

Read outdoors

Have a teacher perform a special

skill (i.e. singing)

Have a teacher read a special book

to the class

Listen to music while working

Play a favorite game or puzzle

Earn play money for privileges

Have extra art time

Walk with a teacher during lunch

Eat lunch outdoors as a class

Be a helper in another classroom

Enjoy class outdoors

Have an extra recess

Eat lunch with a teacher or principal

Play a computer game

Dance to favorite music after class

Read to a younger class

Get a “no homework” pass


center for healthy weight and nutrition

Be Physically Active Daily

Physical Activity Is Important for Good Health

maintain good health

physical activity every day

they get older

games

recreation center

to do together:

– go for a swim

Information provided in this sheet was adapted from



Eat a Healthy Breakfast Every Day

Eating Breakfast Daily is Important for Good Health

– Makes you less likely to snack – Increases attention

– low-fat dairy products, lean meats, eggs, nuts or reduced fat

Meat/Dairy Grains/Fruit/Veggies

Unsweetened, whole grain cereal

Dried fruit (cherries, bananas, raisins, cranberries)

Low fat milk

Low fat lunch meat (turkey, chicken, ham)

Nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)

Quick Tips

products, or yogurt if lactose

intolerant

(nuts, dried fruits,

pretzels, and dry cereal)

powder in low-fat milk

– Low-fat dairy products

2850



Eat More Family Meals

Family Meals Are Important For Good Health

better health choices

in school

Family Meals: What Your Family Can Do

new foods

helpful tips

roasted foods

home

juice

dressing or choose light mayo or dressing

food restaurants

For More Information

2850



Proper Portions

Trends in Increasing Portion Sizes

Whether at home or at your favorite restaurant, oversized portions are

everywhere. Restaurant meals, snacks, desserts, and beverage amounts

have increased steadily over the past two decades.

Oversized Portions = Excess Calories

– Extra calories from large portion sizes can get in the way of

maintaining a healthy weight

20 Years Ago Today

Portion Calories Portion Calories

Bagel 3” 140 Bagel 6” 350

Soda 6.5 ounces 82 Soda 20 ounces 250

What Your Family Can Do

Divide up contents of one large package into smaller containers so

that your favorite foods are in “portion friendly” servings

serving size for your child into a bowl or container

www.MyPyramid.gov

Quick Tips A portion differs from “serving sizes” and are often larger than the Food Guide Pyramid’s recommendation of a serving size. Portions are the amounts offered in a package of food, at a restaurant, or the amount a person chooses to put on their plate.

Common serving sizes are listed below.

Food Group

One Serving

Size

Examples of One Serving

Equals

Grains 1 oz. 1 slice of bread

5 crackers

½ cup cooked pasta or rice

1 CD case

Fruits ½ cup ½ banana

16 grapes

½ large apple, orange, or

banana

A tennis ball

A tennis ball

Vegetables ½ cup 6 baby carrots

½ of green beans

1 large sweet potato

A tennis ball

A tennis ball

Dairy 1 cup 1 cup of milk low-fat

1 cup of low-fat yogurt

1 stick of string cheese

Stacking 4 dice is equal

to 1 oz of cheese

Meats & Protein

1-3 oz. 2 Tbsp. of peanut butter

3 oz chicken, beef

A golf ball

Deck of cards

Information provided in this sheet was adapted from the U.S. Food and Drug


2850



Fruits and Vegetables for Better Health

Why Fruits and Vegetables?

variety of colorful

(tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, apples)

(carrots, oranges, peaches)

(green beans, kiwi, green apples and spinach)

(raisins, blueberries, plums)

(cauliflower, bananas, mushrooms)

1 Serving Size How to Measure

Fruits fruithalf of a handful

of a tennis ball

Vegetables

green leafy

baseball



Limit Total Screen Time to 2 hours A Day

Limiting Screen Time Is Important For Good Health

Many kids spend over four to six hours a day involved in screen time.

This includes: TV, internet, video or computer games and talking and

texting on the phone. Doctors recommend that total screen time be

limited two hours or less daily. This allows for more time to be physically

active and limits unhealthy snacking.

Limit Screen Time: What Your Family Can Do

day for computer and video games

with each other during meal times

This only encourages inactivity and makes electronic gadgets seem

too important

or playing on the computer

Quick Tips

you spend in front of the TV or

the computer

video games and computer time

Turn off the TV or computer for a

whole day, at least one day a week

Be active during commercials

by seeing how many push-ups,

jumping jacks, arm circles or

sit-ups you can do before the

commercial is over

computer

Information provided adapted from the Centers for Disease Control, Ohio Action For Healthy Kids, and National Heart Lung and Blood Institute


2850



Limit Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Why limit sugar-sweetened beverages?

extra calories and sugar

many nutrients for good health

ingredients

Your Family Can Do

contains additional sugars by reading

an ingredient list go by many different

that a beverage is sweetened and will

Fructose

Dextrose

Instead drink

water or other calorie free

beverages to quench your

thirst

only if you have had intense

exercise


Healthy Living at Home123 Introduction to Healthy Living at Home

126 Breakfast

128 Healthy Snacking

130 Eating More Fruits and Vegetables

132 Family Meals

134 Helping Your Child Become More Active

136 Portion Control

138 Food Groups to Encourage

Section 7


Introduction to Healthy Living at Home

Healthy eating and exercise patterns are established during

childhood. Parents are responsible for providing a home

environment that promotes healthy eating and adequate physical

activity. It is important to recognize you are your children’s role

model when it comes to healthy eating and exercise. Remember,

your children are very impressionable and notice both your good

and bad habits. Providing your children with a healthy home

environment promotes good nutrition and discourages unhealthy

habits. If you focus on living a healthy lifestyle, then your children

will too!

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide

Pyramid addresses the daily nutrition and physical activity

requirements for growing kids. Focus on providing your children

with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products.

By following these guidelines, you can provide a strong foundation

at home and educate your children on the importance of making

healthy lifestyle choices.

Follow a Balanced DietIn order for your children to grow, they require a variety of

nutritious foods. Each meal should consist of a whole wheat grain,

meat/protein, dairy product and vegetable and/or fruit. Encourage

your kids to drink plenty of water and milk and limit their intake

of caffeine, soda pop and sugary beverages.

Schedule Family MealsStudies show that the more families eat together, the more likely

children are to choose nutritious foods. Each day should include

three meals and two healthy snacks, in order to provide your kids

with the energy they need. Start the day off with breakfast together

and finish with a nice family dinner.

Make Nutritious Snacks Readily Available Healthy snacks twice a day provide young children with the energy

they need to function properly and helps them get from meal to

meal without feeling hungry. Stock the pantry with healthy snack

choices and pre-cut fresh produce so that it’s more accessible for

your kids. Share quick and easy recipes with your kids so they can

prepare them at home.

7Healthy Living at Home

“If you focus on

living a healthy

lifestyle, then your

children will too!”


Prepare Meals with More Nutritious SubstitutesPasta and white bread are not bad choices, but whole-grain versions

are better because of the nutrients and fiber they provide. Substitute

reduced sugar and low-fat items when possible. Skim milk and low-

fat yogurt are two great dairy choices. Look for breads, pastas and

cereals that are 100% whole grain.

Educate Children on Healthy ChoicesChildren are surrounded by food choices that many times aren’t

healthy. It’s important to talk with your children about healthy

choices at fast food restaurants, school, vending machines, etc.

Help your children make good decisions by discussing what are

the best food choices at school, classroom parties and at home.

Provide a variety of healthy options that are the right portion size

and let your children choose which foods and beverages they would

like for meals and snacks.

Offer Healthy or Non-Food RewardsTypically, children are rewarded for good behavior with empty

calorie foods such as candy, cookies, cakes and soda pop. Instead of

taking your children out for ice cream, try other types of non-food

rewards like stickers, athletic equipment, small toys or a special

outing just with you.

Promote Physical ActivityMore children live sedentary lifestyles these days, so it is important

to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. Encourage

your kids to participate in recreation activities or work out at the

local community center. It can be as simple as taking a daily walk

together as a family or visiting the local swimming pool.

Limit Television and Computer TimeStudies show that reducing television time is associated with

reductions in body weight, body fat and obesity. Limit your

children’s computer and television viewing time to less than 2

hours per day.

Actions for ParentsPromote healthy eating behaviors and regular physical •activity for your children.

Breastfeed infants for the first four to six months of life.•Provide healthful food and beverage choices for children by •choosing foods with lots of nutrients but not a lot of calories.



Assist and educate children in making healthy decisions •regarding types of foods and beverages to eat, how often and

in what portion size.

Encourage and support regular physical activity.•Try to limit children’s television viewing and other •recreational screen time to fewer than two hours per day.

Serve as a positive role model for your child regarding eating •and physical activity behaviors.



Breakfast - The Most Important Meal of the Day!

The Science Behind Breakfast

Just as gasoline fuels cars, food fuels our bodies. Your body

changes food into energy you need for thinking, walking and

talking. When your child wakes up in the morning after a night

time of no food intake, his body is running on an empty tank.

Eating a healthy breakfast:

• enhancesyourchild’sconcentrationandproblem-solving

abilities;

• increaseshisattentionspanandmentalperformance;and

• liftshismood.

Studies have shown that people who eat a healthy breakfast have

better overall diets, are less likely to have health problems and

are more likely to be physically active. So you can see why it’s

important that your child eats a healthy breakfast every morning.

Answers to Your Child’s Breakfast Boycott• “ButDad,Idon’thavetimetoeatbreakfast!”Breakfastdoes

not have to be difficult. Make sure the house has a variety of

healthy grab-and-go breakfast foods, such as fruit and low-fat

yogurt. Also, remember that many schools serve breakfast, so

your child can save time in the morning by simply joining the

School Breakfast Program.

• “ButMom,I’mnothungry!”Ifyourchildiseatingdinneror

snacking late in the evening, he goes to bed while his body is

still digesting this food. During sleep, digestion slows down

and your child is likely to wake up with some food still left in his

stomach. Plan dinner no later than 6:30pm and discourage late

snacking. If he is still not hungry before he heads out to school,

make sure he has some food to take with him because there is

a good chance he will be hungry long before the lunch bell.

• “ButDad,Imightgainweight!”Studiesshowthateating

breakfast helps maintain a healthy weight. Skipping

breakfast might cause him to overeat later on in the day

and/or snack on easily available high calorie snack foods in

vending machines.

• “ButMom,Idon’tlikebreakfastfoods!”Breakfastfoodsdo

not have to be the basic cereal, toast or eggs. Your child can

grab a quick peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread

or heat up some vegetable soup. Take your child with you to

the grocery store and have him select one or two items he will

enjoy eating for breakfast.

7Breakfast


Breakfast BasicsA healthy breakfast should include a balance of carbohydrates,

protein and fiber. Some good sources for these nutrients include:

• Carbohydrates:whole-graincereals,breads,muffins,fruit,

and vegetables.

• Protein:low-fatornon-fatdairyproducts,leanmeats,eggs,

nuts (including nut butters like peanut butter), seeds and

cooked, dried beans.

• Fiber:whole-grainbreads,wafflesandcereals;brownrice,

bran, and other grains; fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts.

Healthy Breakfast Ideas• Whole-graincerealtoppedwithfruitandacupofyogurt.

• Whole-grainwafflestoppedwithpeanutbutter,fruitor

ricotta cheese.

• Whole-wheatpitastuffedwithslicedhard-boiledeggs.

• Hotcerealtoppedwithcinnamon,nutmeg,allspiceorcloves.

• Peanutbutteronawhole-wheatbagelwithfreshfruit(banana

or apple wedges) and low-fat milk.

• Breakfastsmoothie(low-fatyogurt,fruit,100%fruitjuiceand

ice whirled in a blender) and a piece of whole-grain toast.

• Vegetableomeletwithabranmuffinand100%orangejuice.

• Hummusonwhole-wheattoastandmilk.

• Leanturkeyonatoastedwhole-wheatenglishmuffinand

vegetable juice.

• Brownricewithchoppedapples,nuts,andcinnamon,plus

100% fruit juice.

• Creamcheeseandfreshfruit,suchasslicedstrawberries,ona

piece of whole-grain bread or a whole-grain bagel.

• Shreddedcheeseonawhole-wheattortilla,foldedinhalfand

microwaved for 20 seconds and topped with salsa.

Always remember that you set the example! If your child sees you

get up a little earlier in the morning to eat a healthy breakfast like

whole-grain toast with eggs and 100% fruit juice, he is more likely to

follow your example. So do your best to practice what you preach!

Check out these websites for more information!

www.kidshealth.org

www.kidnetic.com

www.mayoclinic.com

www.opraonline.org

7Breakfast

“If your child

sees you get up a

little earlier in the

morning to eat a

healthy breakfast

like whole-grain

toast with eggs and

100% fruit juice,

he is more

likely to follow

your example.”


Healthy Snacking

The Benefits of Healthy Snacking

If your child is very active he needs plenty of healthy snacks

throughout the day. Remember a child has a smaller stomach

than an adult and his stomach can only hold small portions of food

at any given time. Healthy snacks in between meals are important

to make sure that he:

• getsenoughnutrients,

• isabletomaintainhisenergylevelthroughouttheday,and

• doesnotfeelhungry,whichallowshimtoconcentrateonthe

task at hand without losing focus or becoming cranky.

Tips for Healthy Snacking• Plansnacksasapartoftheday’smealschedule.

• Whenshopping,letyourchildhelppickoutfruits,vegetables,

and cheeses for snacks. He will be more interested in eating

these foods if he has been involved in selecting them.

• Offersnacksatregulartimes,suchasmid-morningandmid-

afternoon. Your child should not nibble constantly during

the day.

• Setasidea“snackspot”intherefrigeratorandcupboard.

Make sure to keep it stocked with nutritious ready-to-eat

snacks.

• Designatea“snackingzone”foreatingsnacksthatisaway

from the television, computer and video games. Munching

snacks in front of the TV or computer can lead to too many

calories from ‘mindless munching.’

• Avoidhighsugar,fattyandsaltysnacks,suchascandy,chips

and soda pop. Be sure you carefully read the nutrition label.

Terms such as “all natural,” “pure” and “low-fat” do not

necessarily mean the snack is healthy.

• Introducenewfoodsthroughsnacks.Includeagameor

activity to learn about the new food and let your child help

prepare it. It takes about 10-12 introductions to a new food

before a child will try it, so do not give up!

• Practicewhatyoupreachbyeatingyourhealthysnacksinthe

designated “snacking zone.”

• Neverofferfoodasarewardforgoodbehavior.

The Building Blocks of Healthy SnacksWhat exactly makes a snack a “healthy snack?” A healthy snack

is a snack that is nutrient-rich, meaning it contains a good amount

7Healthy Snacking


of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, water and yes, even

a small amount of fat! Use the healthy snack building blocks listed

below as a guide for creating your child’s healthy snacks:

• WholeGrains-Whole-grainbread,pretzels,cereals,pastaand

crackers are packed with fiber and good carbohydrates. This

will give your child energy that has nutrition and staying

power. When choosing whole grain snacks, make sure you

check the ingredients list. If the first or second ingredient

listed is not a whole grain, put it back on the shelf.

• FreshFruitsandVegetables-Thesesnackstastegreatby

themselves or can be partnered with a number of other foods,

including whole-grains and low-fat dairy products. Fruits and

vegetables are low calorie, low-fat and packed with vitamins

and minerals. Choose a variety of bright colors when selecting

fruits and vegetables to make sure you are getting a wide

range of vitamins and minerals.

• NutsandSeeds,includingNaturalNutButters-Thesesnacks

are full of protein, which allows your child to feel fuller

longer. They can be high in fat, but most of the fat is a healthy

fat that your child’s body needs. Nuts, seeds and natural nut

butters are high in calories too, so these snacks should be

eaten in small quantities. A handful of unsalted nuts or 2

tablespoons of natural nut butter, such as peanut butter on

whole grain crackers make great snacks.

• Low-FatDairyProducts-Cheese,yogurtandmilkaregood

sources of calcium and protein. Choose the low-fat dairy

products whenever possible. Also, when choosing low-fat

yogurt, read the nutrition label and ingredients list to make

sure it does not have a lot of added sugar.

For more information and healthy snack recipes, check out these

books and websites!

Healthy Snacks by Mari C. Schuh

50 Ways to Take the Junk Out of Junk Food: Quick and Nutritious

Treats to Make with Your Kids by Julie Whittingham

Someone’s in the Kitchen with Mommy: More than 100 Easy

Recipes and Fun Crafts for Parents and Kids by Elaine Magee

Healthy Snacks for Kids by Penny Warner

www.kidnetic.com

www.healthiergeneration.org

www.kidshealth.org

www.mealsmatter.org

7Healthy Snacking


Eating More Fruits and Vegetables

Why Are Fruits and Veggies So Important?

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber,

water and other healthy items called antioxidants. These

nutrients help to prevent heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and

certain cancers. When children eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

each day, studies show they have more energy and feel better. In

addition, the fiber and water help your child feel fuller so he is less

likely to overeat during the day.

Tips to Get Your Child Involved and InterestedAs a mother or father, you know getting your child to eat the

recommended 5-13 servings (2 ½ -6 ½ cups) of fruits and vegetables

per day may not be the easiest task. You might understand the

importance of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables each day, but

that does not change your child’s view that fruits and vegetables

are “yucky” and other less nutritious foods, like french fries and

potato chips, are not. Here are some tips from the Produce for Better

Health Foundation to get your child involved in helping to prepare

fruits and vegetables with you. When children help in preparing a

food, they are more likely to taste and eat what they have created:

1. Mean Green Cleaning Machine. Let him wash fruits and

vegetables when preparing for cooking or eating.

2. Pick a Peck! Take your child shopping and let him select a

new fruit or vegetable to try…or several!

3. Make it Snappy! Let him snap the green beans, snap peas, or

break the flowerets from the broccoli or cauliflower.

4. I Spy. Play “I Spy” in the produce section when grocery

shopping.

5. Tear it Up! Let him tear the lettuce for salads and sandwiches.

6. Measure Up! Let him measure the frozen vegetables before

cooking them.

7. Peel & Slice. Older children can peel and slice carrots,

cucumbers, potatoes…the list goes on!

8. Stir & Spice. Make applesauce from fresh apples. Let him help

stir and add the cinnamon.

9. A Sprinkle a Day. Let him sprinkle herbs or other seasonings

onto vegetables.

10. Monster Mash! Pull out the potato masher!

7Eating More Fruits and Vegetables


Fast and Fun Ways to Get More Fruits and Veggies in Your Child’s Diet1. Add it in!

• Addpeasordicedgreenbellpepperstomacaroniandcheese.

• Addfreshfruittolow-fatyogurt.

• Adddicedveggiestoanomelet.

• Addchoppedonion,bellpepper,garlic,orotherveggiestoa

jar of spaghetti sauce.

2. Top it off!

• Topahomemadepizzawithspinachleavesandchoppedfresh

veggies.

• Topcereal,pancakesandwaffleswithfreshfruit.

• Topacasserolewithshreddedcarrotsorzucchinibefore

baking for added texture.

3. Camouflage it!

• Finelyshredvegetablesandmeltthemintoagrilledcheese

sandwich or quesadilla.

• Foldfruitslikeblueberriesandraspberriesorshred

vegetables like zucchini and carrots into pancake, waffle or

muffin batter.

• Slidefinelychoppedvegetablessuchasbroccoli,spinachand

carrots beneath the cheese of a homemade cheese pizza or in

the middle layer of a lasagna.

• Blendfreshorfrozenfruitsandveggieswithlow-fatyogurt

and ice.

4. Dip it!

• Dipfreshveggiesinlow-fatdressing,beandiporhummus.

• Dipfruitinyogurt,low-fatsourcreamorpeanutbutter.

For more information and great healthy snack recipes, check out

these books and websites!

Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating

Good Food by Jessica Seinfeld

The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in

Kids’ Favorite Meals by Missy Chase Lapine

www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov

www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org

7Eating More Fruits and Vegetables


Family Meals

Finding the time for regular family meals can be hard to do, but

eating together as a family is important. Because you control

what goes on the table, the family has a better overall diet. Let’s

face it, what child is going to eat broccoli on his own? But, a child

is much more likely to eat broccoli when it is part of a family meal.

Plus, eating together as a family is a great time to talk with your

children. This has proven to help reduce the chance your child will

get involved with drugs and alcohol.

Family Meal Planning 101The key to family meals that are quick and easy is planning ahead.

Use these 5 simple steps to help you:

1. Everyone helps. Ask your family to name some of their

favorite meals and use these in your weekly menus. By taking

your family’s meal likes and dislikes into consideration, they

are more likely to eat what is prepared and help with cooking

and clean up.

2. Write it down. Write down each day of the week and what will

be served on that day. Stick it on the refrigerator. This way,

you should never hear “What’s for dinner?” again.

3. Check what you already have. Know what foods you already

have in the cupboard and refrigerator so you do not buy more

of what is already there.

4. Make a grocery list. Now that you know what you will serve

each day, make a grocery list of all the foods and how much of

each you will need for the week. Already having these foods

on hand will make cooking dinner every night quick and easy.

For foods that spoil quickly like produce, buy what you need

for the first couple of meals that week. Make another quick

trip to the grocery in the middle of the week to buy the rest.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind…• Makeyourplatelooklikearainbow.Themorecoloron

your plate, the more healthy your meal. For example, try

serving grilled salmon with brown rice, steamed broccoli and

watermelon for dessert.

• Maketwiceasmuchandfreezeit.Thismakesmealslater

on in the week that much easier! If you are browning ground

turkey for dinner on Monday, cook double and freeze the

second half for a delicious taco dinner on Thursday. If you are

making a pan of lasagna for dinner on Tuesday, make two and

stick the second pan in the freezer to pull out and pop in the

oven for lunch on Saturday.

7Family Meals

“Finding the time

for regular family

meals can be hard

to do, but eating

together as a family

is important.”


• Plansomesimplemealsforbusiernightsduringtheweek.

Use your crock-pot or pressure cooker for quick and easy one-

pot meals like roast with potatoes and carrots. Serve fresh

salads and fruits for the side dishes and you’ve got a delicious

family meal in no time!

• Includecannedandfrozenfruitsandvegetables.Aslongas

these foods are not canned in sauces or syrups that have extra

salt and/or sugar, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables

are good foods to keep on the shelf at home. They are a great

source of nutrients, they do not spoil easily and they can help

cut down the time needed to prepare meals.

• Getcreativewithleftovers.Ifyouhavebroiledchickenbreast

for dinner one night, cut the leftover chicken meat into strips

and use them in chicken fajitas the next night. If you open a

can of beans for a salad topper one night, use the rest in a pot

of chili the next night.

• Tryplanningatleastonefishmealandonemeatlessmeal

each week. Fish is great for your entire body because it is

packed with protein, low in saturated fat, and full of heart-

healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Meatless meals like eggplant

Parmesan and cheese tortellini are usually lighter on your

wallet, lower in fat and higher in fiber than meals based

around a meat dish.

For more information, check out these great books and websites!

Saving Dinner: The Menus, Recipes, and Shopping Lists to Bring

Your Family Back to the Table by Leanne Ely

The Weekly Feeder: A Revolutionary Shopping, Cooking and Meal

Planning System by Cori Kirkpatrick

Balanced Eating Made Easy with the Food Balance Wheel: A How-

To Guide For Quickly Planning Balanced Meals Around Your

Own Favorite Healthy Food Choices by Art Dragon

www.mealsmatter.org

www.thisweekfordinner.com

www.organizedhome.com

7Family Meals


Helping Your Child Become More Active

The Benefits of Exercise

Health professionals recommend every child get at least

60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity

every day. Active children usually have leaner bodies, improved

coordination, increased self-esteem and can concentrate better in

school. Additionally, active children are less likely to suffer from

depression, anxiety, diabetes, asthma and heart disease.

Limit Screen TimeToo many children spend anywhere from four to six hours a day

being inactive by watching TV, playing video games, using the

computer and talking on the phone. Your child may complain a

little, but it is best to limit his screen time to less than two hours a

day. Here are some tips to help you and your child:

Move the TV. Remove TVs, computers and video games from •bedrooms and make one space in your home the family media

area.

Plan screen time in advance. Have your children choose their •favorite TV shows each week and only have the TV on during

that time. For computer and video games, select specific times

of the day they can be used.

Make family meal time important. Turn off the TV, gather •around the table and start chatting with each other during

meal times.

Do not use extra TV, video game and computer time as •a reward. This encourages inactivity and makes these

electronic gadgets seem more important than they are.

Tips for Creative ExerciseIf screen time is going to be cut back, your child will want to know

what he is supposed to do instead. Here are a few suggestions for

fun physical activities that involve the entire family:

Explore your local bike paths. Bike paths provide safe, scenic, •vehicle-free means for walking, running or biking. Bike path

maps for the state of Ohio can be found online at

www.dot.state.oh.us/bike/maplist.htm.

Sign the family up to walk and/or run a 5K race. Training •for these events as a family is a great way to build family

togetherness and to meet the daily recommended 60 minutes

of exercise.

7Helping Your Child Become More Active


Grab some sporting equipment and head out to the park •nearest you. Toss a frisbee, play some kickball, pitch a

baseball or hike some trails if available.

If you have older children, head to the gym. Workout together. •You can teach them how to use different types of gym

equipment, such as cardio machines, balance balls and bench

presses.

Go for a swim. Visit the nearest YMCA or community pool. •Swimming is great exercise and it is fun for children of all ages.

Assign chores. Cleaning is a great form of both indoor and •outdoor exercise for kids. Plus, it teaches them responsibility!

Assign chores that work up a sweat like mowing the lawn,

gardening, washing the car and sweeping the floors.

Go out for a family walk after dinner. Walking after a meal •not only provides exercise, it helps prevent heartburn. You

can use your walk to connect with your children and talk

about the day.

Plan family outings that involve a lot of walking. Take a •trip to the zoo or a nearby miniature golf course. Check out

your local Department of Recreation and Parks website for

information about outdoor activities in a nearby park. These

are usually free and provide fun and exercise for the whole

family.

Plan family vacations that involve physical activities. Visit •places known for great hiking and biking trails, skiing and

swimming.

Remember: You Set the ExampleIf you really want your child to get off the couch and get moving, he

has to see you doing it as well. Be a great role model by exchanging

some of your couch time for physical activity.

For more information, check out these great websites!

www.mypyramid.gov

www.beactivekids.org

www.americanheart.org

http://health.kaboose.com

7Helping Your Child Become More Active


Portion Control Portion sizes in the U.S. have drastically increased throughout the

years. An average hamburger in 1957 contained an ounce of meat;

in 1996 it contained six ounces. Fast food establishments offer

super size combo meal options for mere change while adding an

additional 400 calories to a meal. Some establishments now offer

larger children’s meal selections while possibly tacking on 100-180

more calories.

Larger portion sizes are a factor in the rise of childhood obesity.

Although portion sizes have become bigger, serving sizes have

not. “Serving sizes” are USDA Food Guide Pyramid recommended

standard amounts of food that help give an understanding of the

caloric and nutritional intake of a particular food and how much

should be consumed. There are no set portion size standards.

Portion sizes larger than the recommended “serving size” often

increase caloric intake and add additional unwanted calories that

may lead to obesity. Portion size is an issue that affects children in

and out of the home.

A child’s age, gender and activity level are all factors that determine

how much he or she needs to eat every day to stay healthy. Boys

and girls even of the same age grow at different rates and thus

may be of different size and need more or less calories. Daily food

recommendations for children who exercise 30 minutes a day are

listed in the “Food Groups to Encourage” section.

When packing a child’s lunch and providing meals in the home

environment, parents need to understand portion sizes and what

is appropriate for children as they grow. On the next page you will

find some helpful examples of proper portion sizes for your child.

Check out these websites for more information!

www.myeatsmartmovemore.com

www.fns.usda.gov/tn7

Portion Control


Serving Sizes Are in Your Hand

7Portion Control

Fist or cupped hand = 1 cup1 serving = 1/2 cup cereal, cooked pasta or rice

or 1 cup of raw, leafy green vegetables

or 1/2 cup of cooked or raw, chopped vegetables or

fruit

Handful = 1-2 oz. of snack food Snacking can add up. Remember, 1 handful

equals 1 oz. of nuts and small candies. For

chips and pretzels, 2 handfuls equals 1 oz.

Palm = 3 oz. of meatTwo servings, or 6 oz. of lean meat (poultry, fish,

shellfish, beef) should be a part of a daily diet.

Measure the right amount with your palm. One

palm size portion equals 3 ounces or one serving.

Thumb Tip = 1 teaspoonKeep high-fat foods, such as peanut butter and

mayonnaise, at a minimum by measuring the

serving with your thumb. One teaspoon is equal

to the end of your thumb, from the knuckle up.

Three teaspoons equals 1 tablespoon.

Tennis Ball = 1 serving of fruitHealthy diets include 2-4 servings of fruit a day.

Thumb = 1 oz. of cheeseConsuming low-fat cheese is a good way to help

you meet the required servings from the milk,

yogurt and cheese group. 1 1/2 - 2 oz. of low-fat

cheese counts as 1 of the 2-3 daily recommended

servings.


Food Groups to EncourageThe Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends these food

groups within MyPyramid as a good source of important nutrients

that help provide the foundation for a healthy diet: whole grains,

vegetables, low-fat and fat free milk and milk products, and fruits.

Increased intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or

low-fat milk and milk products are likely to have important health

benefits for most Americans, according to the Dietary Guidelines.

They are encouraged for a healthful diet and are sources for specific

nutrients of which many Americans are not getting enough;

calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E.

Choose a variety of foods from each food group and be sure to

include the recommended amounts every day. Look for nutrient-

rich foods. They have the most vitamins and minerals for the fewest

calories.

Whole GrainsDaily Recommendation = 3 (1 oz.) servingsAt least half of all the grains eaten should be whole grains. A one

ounce serving equals 1 slice whole-wheat bread, 1/2 cup brown

rice, 5 whole-wheat crackers or 1/2 cup oatmeal.

TipsSnack on ready-to-eat, whole-grain cereals such as toasted •oat cereal.

Try brown rice or whole-wheat pasta.•Try whole-grain snack chips, such as baked tortilla chips.•Use whole grains in mixed dishes, such as barley in vegetable •soup or stews and bulgur wheat in stir-fry or casseroles.

Choose foods that name whole wheat, whole oats, brown rice, •etc. first on the label’s ingredient list.

VegetablesDaily Recommendation = 2-1/2 cupsA one cup serving equals 1 cup chopped raw or cooked broccoli, 2

medium carrots, 2 cups of raw, leafy greens or 1 cup cooked, leafy

greens.

TipsBuy vegetables that are easy to prepare. •Try crunchy vegetables raw or lightly steamed.•Shred carrots or zucchini into meatloaf, casseroles, quick •breads or muffins.

7Food Groups to Encourage


7Food Groups to Encourage

Include chopped vegetables in pasta sauce or lasagna.•Set a good example for children by eating vegetables with •meals or as snacks.

FruitsDaily Recommendation = 2 cupsA one cup serving equals 1 cup sliced, chopped or cut-up fruit;

about 8 large strawberries, 1 large orange or 32 seedless grapes.

TipsBuy fresh fruits in season.•Vary your fruit choices-fruits differ in nutrient content.•Keep a bowl of whole fruit on the table, counter or in the •refrigerator.

Refrigerate cut-up fruit to store for later.•Make most of your choices whole or cut-up fruit rather than •juice, for the benefits dietary fiber provides.

For dessert, have baked apples, pears or a fruit salad.•

Dairy FoodsDaily Recommendation = 3 cups of low-fat or fat-free milk or milk equivalentsA one cup serving equals 1 cup milk, 1 container (8 oz.) yogurt or

1-1/2 oz. cheese.

Tips Include milk as a beverage at meals.•Use fat-free or low-fat milk instead of water to prepare •oatmeal and hot cereals.

Make a dip for fruits or vegetables from yogurt.•Top casseroles, soups, stews or vegetables with shredded •reduced fat cheese.

Make fruit and yogurt smoothies in the blender. •If you are lactose intolerant, choose lactose-reduced or low-•lactose varieties cheese, yogurt or milk.

Websites for Additional Informationwww.nutrientrichfoods.org

www.nationaldairycouncil.org

www.nutritionexplorations.org

www.mypyramid.gov

www.DietaryGuidelines.gov