November Healthy Schools - Healthy Students Newsletter

Team Nutrition Iowa, Action for Healthy Kids Iowa, and Iowa Department of Education logos

November

2018

Healthy Schools
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This monthly newsletter provides information on nutrition and physical activity programs, trainings and funding opportunities, and success stories from Iowa schools working to support healthy habits.

Stay Connected! Iowa Department of Education - Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services

Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest -  Email: schoolmeals@iowa.gov

Healthy Choices Count Summit

Summit group photo

The 5-2-1-0 Summit took place on October 30th. The planning committee included representatives from the Healthiest State Initiative, Iowa Dept of Public Health, Iowa Dept of Education, and the Iowa Medical Society...all working together for healthy Iowa kids! Schools that presented during the Summit include: Chariton CSD, Maquoketa Valley CSD, and North Fayette Valley CSD.

For a summary of the day and how to become a registered 5-2-1-0 site visit the Iowa Dept of Education Headline.

Attendees shared their favorite ideas from the Summit!

Iowa Healthiest State Awards, including schools, are due TODAY!

Iowa Schools in the News!

news

Denver CSD - Physical Education teacher created his own American Ninja Warrior obstacle course!

North Liberty CSD - Where does your food come from? Students learn from local farmers.

Des Moines Public Schools - Iowa Local Food Day with Secretary of Agriculture.

Iowa Local Foods Day - ISU Extension and Outreach Article

Turkey Valley CSD Utilizes Cross Age Teaching

Turkey Valley Cross age teaching

Cross age teachers are high school students that visit elementary classrooms once a month with a nutrition lesson and a local item to taste test. The item for October was green and red cabbage along with Greek Yogurt Coleslaw. This opportunity provides a learning experience for both the elementary and high school students! A similar concept, developed by ISU Extension and Outreach, can be used in the lunchroom, with a program called Cafeteria Coaching.

2019 Show Us Your Tray Photo Contest

school lunch tray

USDA's photo contest is back and they want to see how you use USDA Foods in your school meals.

Email a photo of your entrée or side featuring USDA Foods to USDAFoods@fns.usda.gov and include your name, school district name, state, and category of your submission. Identify which items are USDA Foods. We would love to see your photos too, please cc: schoolmeals@iowa.gov. Deadline: January 15th

2019 Show Us Your Tray Photo Contest

Water Access at School

Water filling station

Providing access to drinking water gives helps to increase students’ overall water consumption, maintain hydration, and reduce energy intake if substituted for sugar-sweetened beverages. Adequate hydration may improve cognitive function in children and adolescents and can help prevent constipation. Drinking water, if fluoridated, also plays a role in preventing dental caries (cavities).

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires schools to make free water available to students during meal times.

In addition to the requirements, schools should use a variety of strategies to increase water consumption that include:

  • Ensuring water fountains are clean and properly maintained;
  • Providing access to water fountains, dispensers, and stations throughout the school; and
  • Allowing students to have water bottles in class.

Increase Access to Drinking Water in Schools - CDC

Nutrition Facts Label Makeover

nutriton facts lable

The Nutrition Facts label undergone a makeover by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufacturers have until 2021 before they are required to use the new label, however some have already started.

The new label reflects updated scientific information, including greater understanding of the links between diet and chronic disease. It is also more realistic reflection of how people eat today. What's the Difference Between the Two Labels?

turkey bulletin board
Nov Feature