National School Lunch Program

This week recognizes the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life, and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. School nutrition programs play a critical role in ensuring all students, regardless of income level, receive nutritious lunches which follow strict federal nutrition standards. School lunches include servings of fruits and vegetables, whole-grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy. Encourage your child to join the fun!

Check with your child's school first and if possible join your child October 16th for National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day! What a great way to explore the nutritious offerings of your school nutrition program and spend extra time with your child. If your child participates in hot lunch they can proudly show you how their line works. If your child is apprehensive to try something new and is fearful for various reasons to try school lunch, this may be a great opportunity to join and help them through the lunch line. Review the lunch week menu together to start a dialogue about healthy eating. Have Fun!

Calm Schools Initiative

Calm Schools has set an ambitious target to introduce 1 million children around the world to the life changing skills of mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention to the present moment with purpose, kindness, and curiosity. Mindfulness is practiced by people all around the world, with many diverse languages, cultures and spiritual beliefs. Mindfulness is a very simple practice. The work of the practice is to bring our attention to the present moment. While the mind is a great time traveler, the body is only ever right where it is.

Teachers are encouraged to visit the link and explore this unique offer available to you. The Calm App is downloadable and being offered to teachers for free, a $69.99 value! https://www.calm.com/schools

Host a Taste Test

Believe it or not, some students have never tasted a fresh pear. In fact, they may be surprised to see that pears come in a shape different than the little white cubes like they see in their fruit cocktail! Having students taste healthy food items is at the heart of nutrition education, because if students have the opportunity to try and like healthier foods, they’ll be more likely to become healthier eaters. A series of taste tests is a great way to reinforce what students are learning about a particular food group.

Visit Action For Healthy Kids to read this in it's entirety. Learn how to put it into action, and gain tips and resources- Have fun!

Did you know many local Hannaford Supermarkets offer:

In-Store Healthy Demos

Choose a store near you to view the demo schedule. Then stop by the dietitian's demo table for nutritious samples, recipe ideas, coupons and nutrition tips. No need to register.

Healthy Classes & Store Tours

To register for a fun, free and interactive class or store tour, choose a store near you from the list below, and email your in-store dietitian, or call the store customer service desk to sign up.

Click Here to find monthly classes and tours as well as Dietitian contact information for your area.

The Klorane Botanical Foundation is committed to supporting programs to teach respect for the environment and protect nature through the preservation of plant species and biodiversity. Designed to further their mission, the Budding Botanist Grant will help our youngest citizens learn about plants, explore their world and inspire them to take care of the life they discover in their local ecosystems.

In early 2020, twelve grant packages will be awarded to schools across the United States. Three schools will be awarded a $2,250 package. Nine schools will be awarded a $1,250 package.

Explore and Apply HERE!

Fun Afterschool Opportunity for Middle School Students (5th-8th grade) at York Public Library

A 6-week afterschool series for middle school students is being offered at York Public Library in conjunction with Kids Free to Grow. The sessions will focus on health, wellness, relationships, and FUN! Join York County Let's Go! Coordinator Kelly Roberts for the session on October 1st and take a spin on the stationary pedal-powered blender bike!

Registration is suggested. Contact Katie or Barb at the York Public Library at [email protected] or (207) 363-2818