Healthy Habits: Children and Nutrition

Dr. Lee is the director of the YWCA garden at P.S. 90. The program has brought in lots of community support and recognition while teaching children valuable lessons about cooking, nutrition, botany, organic foods, and waste reduction.  The P.S. 90 program has also incorporated strong elements of STEM and Nutrition.

Children in grades K-5 learn about sustainable urban gardening, composting, and the importance of reducing waste and recycling. Students also examine their own waste habits at home and at school and learn the benefits of reducing waste and composting by creating their own garden. They also discuss the health benefits of drinking water verses sugared drinks, and students learn about water pollution and the importance of conservation in providing healthy drinking water.

I had a chance to interview Dr. Lee about school nutrition and tips for families.

1) What is the link between healthy eating and school performance?

Good balanced nutrition is essential to school success. Not only is there a scientific link between the presence of certain vitamins and minerals in the diet and brain function, children who miss breakfast or have a sugary breakfast don’t focus as well, are more lethargic, and are less likely to engage in classroom activity. For this reason, the NYC Department of Education now encourages schools to allow children to eat breakfast in the classroom if they  don’t make it on time for a school’s morning meal program. Studies suggest that students who don’t have the benefit of good nutrition are more likely to have slower memory recall and problems paying attention in school. It’s important that as we ask students to know and do more by way of more rigorous academic standards, we also implement policies that are responsive and reflective of their needs.

2) How can parents be sure their children are being provided healthy food at school?

Parents can do some research about salad bar programs and work with their school administration to bring a fresh salad bar option to their schools.

Parent should  also contact the DOE’s office of school foods or their schools administrative team to review monthly menus for the school’s breakfast and lunch meals. If they are unhappy about the food selections, they can work together with school administrators and others to advocate for healthy options. Also, if they are in the habit of sending snacks from home, they should send fruits and other healthy options to reinforce good habits.

3) What can education professionals due to foster a healthy environment and nutrition education?

Teachers should teach children about nutrition, the health and lifestyle benefits of good choices, and the mental and physical effects of poor food choices. Educators would be wise to eliminate the use of sugary and salty snacks as rewards and incentives and to use healthy options instead, or move away from food rewards altogether.  This takes some creativity, but in general students love classroom privileges such as cleaning the blackboard, or being the class monitor. Educational trips to a local supermarket or farmers market can also open the doors to science and economic education – What does it cost to make healthy choices at the grocer? Where does our food come from? What are food deserts?

4) What are some easy, healthy snacks parents can offer kids to bring for after-school activities or to have ready if kids get home hungry?

Anything that can fit in a plastic sandwich or snack bag.

Popcorn

Apple slices

Nuts and raisins

Carrots sticks

Peanut butter on whole grain bread

Homemade Granola is delicious and easy recipes are available online