February is a great month to promote healthy eating and physical activity at your school!

National Children's Dental Health Month

Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among children in the U.S. and it can be prevented! The American Dental Association has some promotional materials and activity ideas, including having a student dress up like the tooth fairy handing out free toothbrushes from a local dentist office.

American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. During this month, help students and staff understand the importance of a healthy heart and actions they can take to live a heart healthy life. Action for Healthy Kids has some ideas to help you celebrate healthy habits!

The Healthy, Hunger‐Free Kids Act of 2010, establishes nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold to students before, during and 30 minutes after the school day.

How does this apply to fundraisers or vending machines operated by school groups? During the school day, only foods and beverages that meet the Smart Snack standards or nonfood/beverage items can be sold to students, no matter who is selling the items.

What about “from scratch” items? If a student group would like to make items using a recipe to sell to students during the school day, then the recipe needs to be analyzed to ensure it meets Smart Snacks nutrition standards. Iowa Team Nutrition has complied Smart Snacks Approved Recipes as a resource.

For additional information, visit the Iowa Department of Education Smart Snack page or contact Carrie at carrie.scheidel@iowa.gov.

School Nutrition Directors can utilize these 10-15 minute webcasts during staff training. The Facilitator Guides include hands-on activities and quizzes to assess knowledge gained and links to additional trainings and resources.

Topics include: School Wellness and Smart Snacks, Cafeteria Coaching, Sodium in Schools, Pleasant and Positive Mealtimes at School, Civil Rights, Practical Skills in School Meals, Food Production Records, Build a Healthy Lunch and Breakfast (offer vs. serve), and Customer Service.

To receive Professional Standards Training Documentation for school nutrition staff that participated please e-mail Carrie at carrie.scheidel@iowa.gov.

The Iowa Department of Public Heath will release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Iowa Nutrition Network School Grant Program by mid-March. The program includes funding for Pick a Better Snack nutrition education lessons by an outside educator for K-3 students.

Applicants will apply for a 6-year project period beginning October 1, 2018. Priority schools are those with high percentages of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. For more information, contact Suzy Wilson at suzy.wilson@idph.iowa.gov.

WHO: 4th & 5th Grade Students
WHAT: A free inspirational and motivational session that includes physical activity
WHERE: Hy-Vee Hall -  Des Moines
WHEN: Thursday, April 12 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Registration for the event is free. Prior to the event, all students who are registered will receive a free t-shirt. Following the event, a free lunch will be provided to all students as they return to their buses. All participating schools will be provided with a bus transportation allowance ($400). 
The deadline for registration is March 15 at 3:00 p.m.

Check out the Exercising Your Character website for more information. Questions? Contact Kourtney Arnold at KArnold@hy-vee.com.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is planning an Iowa Local Food Day on Thursday, October 11 during National Farm to School Month!

On this day, schools are encouraged to serve at least two items for breakfast and/or lunch that are composed of primarily locally sourced items. Assistance with procurement, menu planning and other resources will be available. Participation is voluntary.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Iowa Food Day Survey to help gauge interest and provide feedback to make Iowa's first Local Food Day a success. Those that complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to receive farm to school supplies. Survey Deadline: February 9th

For more information, contact Tammy Stotts at tammy.stotts@iowaagriculture.gov.