It’s no secret that students look to teachers as role models. When students see educators choose healthy foods and living active lifestyles, they are more likely to participate in similar health-promoting behaviors. These behaviors don’t have to be extreme to make a big impact. For example, staff can walk or bike to school, lead physical activity breaks, visit the school salad bar, drink water, eat healthy options in the cafeteria, and share what types of activities they enjoy outside of school.

Taking simple steps can foster a culture of health where healthier behaviors are not only talked about but practiced. A new school year is the perfect opportunity to begin healthy habits!   
Healthy Food Choices in School – Leading by Example Article

Is your school district looking for help with USDA Smart Snacks in School and Local Wellness Policy regulations?  Iowa Team Nutrition is offering Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Wellness Coach assistance to 30 school districts starting this fall.

The RDN Coach will provide 3 visits per district during fall, 2016 to facilitate the implementation of an action plan to meet Local Wellness Policy and Smart Snacks regulations in preparation for a School Nutrition Administrative Review. 

Please contact Patti, at patti.delger@iowa.gov for an application or for more information.

Schools have a special role in providing nutritious meals for students and to educate the next generation about environmental stewardship. The Iowa Department of Education’s Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services has developed Food Waste Reduction in School Meals Resources, that provide idea on how to increase consumption and reduce food waste in schools.

In addition, the bureau is partnering with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to conduct a food waste pilot with 10 Iowa elementary schools. The pilot will include observations, assessments, waste audit, and development of a best practice guide.

The deadline to submit an application is September 1. Contact Carrie at carrie.scheidel@iowa.gov for an application or for more information.

Action for Healthy Kids is now accepting $1,000 Game On! grant applications through funds provided by Cargill.

Funding can be used to support the following: Recess, Play Space/Gymnasium Refurbishing, Physical Education Equipment, Classroom Physical Activity Breaks, Nutrition Education, School Gardens, Healthy Celebrations and more!

Find out more about the grants and view the application! Deadline: September 16, 2016.

For assistance with the application process, please contact Carrie at carrie.scheidel@iowa.gov.

The USDA Summer Food Service Program, administered by the Iowa Department of Education, provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months. Increasing participation in summer meals is critical to ensure the health and well-being of children and their readiness to return to school in the fall.

Interested in being a sponsor for Summer 2017? 
Contact Stephanie at stephanie.dross@iowa.gov.

Here is a picture of the Wisdom and Wellness Program at Howard Winneshiek CSD, which included a "Tasting the Rainbow Event." For more info contact Cheryl at cdickman@howard-winn.k12.ia.us. 

The high school foods class prepared smoothies for the elementary students. The high schools students not only provided samples of the smoothies, but a nutrition lesson on the foods included in the smoothies and how to make a smoothie at home. The principal, Amber Jacque, said “the presentations to the elementary students were extremely informational. It was exciting for the kids to learn about an alternate healthy snack.”

Looking for healthy recipes for a Foods class? Check out our Smart Snack Recipes!

The annual event for middle school students and staff will be held on Thursday, September 29 in the Des Moines area.

The Super Power Summit empowers teams of middle school students to live an active lifestyle and to choose healthy food options, all while being advocates for school wellness. We encourage middle schools to send a team or for an interactive day full of fun activities, empowering presentations, and networking.

Mileage ($0.39/mile) and sub pay (up to $100) reimbursement will be available. Additional information, including online registration will be included in the September newsletter (to be released September 1).