National School Lunch Week

"In the long view, no nation is healthier than its children, or more prosperous than its farmers." - President Harry Truman, on signing the 1946 National School Lunch Act. Through the Years The National School Lunch Program was created in 1946 when President Truman signed the National School Lunch Act into law. The National School Lunch Program is a federal nutrition assistance program. Through the years, the program has expanded to include the School Breakfast Program, Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Feeding Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. In 1962, Congress designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October each year as "National School Lunch Week." The video below looks at the school lunch program from the late 1930s to the present day and includes President Obama signing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. One can see from the photographs some of the changes in the foods provided. There is an increase in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. (Part of the video has clips from a film produced by the USDA in the mid-60s.) School Lunch Resources  Organizations, Associations, and Programs School Nutrition Association “Celebrate NSLW. School Lunch invites creative and fun new menu items while appealing to students in all grade levels. The School Nutrition Association is a national, nonprofit professional organization.  Mission. To advance good nutrition for all children. National Farm to School Month Farm to School is broadly defined as any program that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the goal of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health, nutrition education, and supporting local and regional farmers. Farm to School programs exist in all 50 states, but since Farm to School is a grassroots movement, programs are as diverse as the communities they serve. About the Farm to Preschool program at UEPI, Occidental College The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost, or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. Kids Eat Right Kids Eat Right is your source for scientifically-based health and nutrition information you can trust to help your child grow healthy. As a parent or caretaker, you need reliable resources, and you can find them here, backed by the expertise of nutrition professionals. Team Nutrition. Campaign launched by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to encourage and teach children, parents, and caregivers to eat healthy and be physically active every day.  Choose MyPlate. The website features practical information and tips to help Americans build healthier diets. Elmo Doesn't Fear School Lunch Elmo joins White House, Chef Sam Kass in the White House kitchen to talk about the importance of healthy and delicious school meals.  We Can. The We Can! GO, SLOW, and WHOA Foods fact sheet (pdf) can be posted on the refrigerator or used when grocery shopping. The We Can! Parent Tips - Snack (pdf) 100 Calories or Less tip sheet can help consumers choose vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk for healthier snacks. Healthy Children The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Healthy Children - Nutrition; Food Allergies in Children Action for Healthy Kids: we believe there are ways to reduce and prevent childhood obesity and undernourishment. Learn how Action for Healthy Kids is working with schools, families, and communities to help our kids learn to be healthier and be ready to learn. National Dairy Council® (NDC), Child Nutrition Fuel Up sponsored by National Dairy Council and the NFL, in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Fuel Up is an in-school program that encourages the availability and consumption of nutrient-rich foods, along with daily physical activity. Fruits and Veggies   Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, stated: “National School Lunch Week reminds us how important it is that our children be healthy and active, that they do not go hungry, and that they have access to nutritious meals." 

February, Potato Lovers Month Nutrition and Recipes

Nutrition, Recipes, and Politics

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. A baked potato is a healthy food choice and contains no fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

The potato’s reputation as being fattening is related to the method of preparation, such as greasy French fries; and the addition of butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon.

Below are some heart-healthy recipes, prepared by the Idaho Potato Commission.

Idaho® Potato Crusted Pizza Gluten Free

Estimated Nutritional Analysis per Serving:
(Omit the salt and use a low sodium broth to lower the sodium content)
250 calories, 25 mg cholesterol, 660 mg sodium,
11 g protein, 14 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates (Based upon 6 - 8 servings)

Heart-Healthy Grilled Idaho® Potato Ratatouille Salad

Estimated Nutritional Analysis per Serving:
Based on 8 servings
210 calories, 0 mg cholesterol, 6 g fat,
25 mg sodium, 6 g protein

Resources
Idaho Potato Commission
National Potato Council

Dayle Hayes, MS, RD Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Expert

Website. Nutrition for the Future
Blog. Eat Well at School
Facebook. School Meals that Rock
LinkedIn. Dayle Hayes

"Enjoyable family meals benefit children's physical, mental, social, and
academic well-being. They help build strong families, raise
competent eaters, and create memories to last a lifetime.
And, they can easily be delicious, nutritious, and fun."  
- Dayle Hayes, MS, RD

Dayle Hayes is an award-winning Registered Dietitian, author, and educator who brings a delightful blend of practicality and pizazz to everyday nutrition advice.

Dayle authored Moving Away from Diets and Put Your Best Food Forward; developed a program for parents, FIT KIDS = HAPPY KIDS; created 5 A Day BINGO; and produced several videos, including: Body Trust: Undieting Your Way to Health and Happiness and Getting a Head Start with 5 A Day.

As a parent and member of the School Nutrition Association, Dayle is dedicated to improving school environments. She collected success stories for Making It Happen; wrote a chapter on communicating with students in Managing Child Nutrition Programs: Leadership for Excellence; and developed Enriching Family Mealtimes, a kit for school leaders and educators. In 2008, she co-authored the Position of the American Dietetic Association: Nutrition Guidance for Healthy Children Ages 2 to 11 Years.

Dayle is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the School Nutrition Association, as well as the Chair of the School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group and the Co-Chair of Billings Action for Healthy Kids.

The What Incredible Choices Toolkit was created by Dayle Hayes, MS, RD for the Montana WIC Program with the use of Infrastructure Funds from USDA. The Toolkit is full of guidance, information, materials and activities for staff to use in promoting “the original fast food” (those delicious, flavorful, crunchy, juicy, sweet, nutritious fruits and vegetables) with their WIC participants.  The Toolkit highlights fresh fruits and vegetables which can be purchased with the Montana Fruit and Vegetable Benefit and the Montana Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Benefit.  These benefits may be used at authorized farmers and grocery stores. Materials are available in color and grayscale.  For copies of all items, click here.

Dayle Hayes has a wonderful website and blog filled with creative educational materials and resources. Her blog "Eat Well at School" contains practical guidance and up-to-date information on the School Nutrition Program.