Celebrate National Nutrition Month

March 6, 2009 – March is National Nutrition Month (NNM).  This year’s theme is “Eat Right.”  Created by the American Dietetic Association, the campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This celebration provides a great opportunity for schools to increase awareness about the importance of eating healthy as well as
revise and develop nutrition policies and programs.

According to a study conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. while many schools have improved the nutritional quality of schools meals and foods sold outside of the reimbursable meal programs (competitive foods), there is still room for improvement.  The study reveals that schools can do even more to reduce the availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and make school meals more nutritious. 

Study results indicate that, although the majority of U.S. schools offer breakfasts and lunches that meet the standards for essential nutrients (such as protein, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron), reimbursable school meals remain too high in saturated fat and sodium, and children are still not consuming enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  Results also show that many public schools do not provide better meals because of limited funds.  In addition, competitive foods are generally low-nutrient, energy-dense foods, such as candy and french fries, and caloric beverages other than milk or 100% fruit juice. 

Given that obesity rates are currently very high among children, it is imperative that schools examine their food environment and establish nutrition programs and policies that help children maintain a healthy weight.  This is even more relevant in schools with a high number of minorities.  New resources from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation show that both Latino and African-American youth are at greater risk of overweight and obesity.  These fact sheets reveal that the limited availability of healthy foods and safe recreational facilities are some of the contributing factors to higher rates of overweight and obesity among these specific groups. 

To help celebrate NNM, the American Dietetic Association has made available a webpage that includes a NNM catalog, promotional ideas, nutrition education resources, media resources as well a nutrition quiz, games and a fad diet timeline. 

School Nutrition Changes Can be Simple and Effective

It is common for schools to encounter barriers to implementing nutrition policies and programs.  Take school celebrations, for instance.  Most people associate fun with food and just one school party can include pizza, sugary juice drinks, chips, cake and ice cream. 

A new Center for Science in the Public Interest document shows that schools can easily offer healthy school celebrations.  It includes ideas such as having a dance party or party games and providing extra recess time.  It also offers ideas for healthy party snacks and provides a few recipes.  Additionally, it lists creative ways to celebrate major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. 

For more information on how to improve the school nutrition environment, order a “Healthy Eating 101” Packet from NSBA’s School Health Programs website.

Source: “Results of the Third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study,” Science Daily, February 1, 2009; “School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study-III,” USDA, Summary of Findings; “Overweight and Obesity Among Latino Youths,” RWJF, February 2009; “Overweight and Obesity Among African-American Youths,” RWJF, February 2009; and Healthy School Celebrations, CSPI.