Topics: Obesity
From “walking” school buses to farm-to-school programs, Iowa school districts are launching a wide range of healthy eating and physical activity initiatives to tackle childhood obesity this school year. Read on to learn about four of the Hawkeye state’s most creative programs to get kids on the right track to a healthy life:
Make healthy food options the easy option
In late August, northeastern Iowa’s Howard-Winneshiek School District received a top honor in the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC). An initiative under First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, HUSSC recognizes schools that go above and beyond in fostering healthy school environments. One reason why the Howard-Winneshiek School District has been so successful in getting kids to try healthier options in the cafeteria is because school staff make the nutritious foods easy to eat; for example, apples and oranges get sliced into bite-sized pieces. Learn more in this KIMT TV 3 article: http://bit.ly/19zpckg
Create safer walking routes to school
Mason City parent and community volunteers lead “walking school buses”, or groups of about 15 students, on a safe route to school. Not only are the kids chipping away at their 60 minute recommended daily amount of exercise, but the morning physical activity can boost their brainpower for the coming school day. A recent international study found that kids who walk or bike to school perform better on concentration tasks in the classroom, as reported in this article from The Atlantic. Today Mason City has about 80 students participating in the “walking school bus” program.
Rethink school birthday treats
Mason City is also among Iowa school districts putting restrictions on sugary birthday snacks in order to limit kids’ access to junk food. Mason City kids can’t bring any food or beverages in to share with their class on their birthday. Instead, students get a special gift from the office or wear a birthday crown in class. In Cedar Falls School District, kids still can bring food or drinks in on their special day, but teachers can require that the snacks be healthy. Read the full KWWL story: http://bit.ly/1e7AjqN
Serve fresh, local fruits and veggies
Over in Iowa City, students are enjoying fresh, local produce thanks to their Farm to School program. This year the school district even partnered with a local farmer to increase the amount of healthy foods –including cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes– on students’ plates, according to this Daily Iowan article. Exposing kids to healthier options helps teach them life-long healthy habits.
What are some other awesome healthy food or exercise initiatives you’ve seen at schools across the country this school year? Tweet us @BagtheJunk or write on our Facebook wall.