School Nutrition
Foundation
The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) empowers professional growth through the education, research, and scholarship it provides School Nutrition Association (SNA) members. Along with SNA, the Foundation’s number one priority is helping school nutrition professionals run successful and effective school nutrition programs and comply with USDA regulations.www.schoolnutrition.org
Produce for Better Health Foundation
Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) is a non-profit consumer foundation whose purpose is to motivate people to eat more fruits and vegetables to improve public health. PBH partners with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry to expand the Fruits & Veggies–More Matters® health initiative which is the largest public-private, fruit and vegetable nutrition education initiative in the U.S.www.fruitsandveggies
morematters.org
Kimberly Williams-Paisley Gets Kids
to Love Their Veggies
Actress and mother Kimberly Williams-Paisley wants kids everywhere to eat their veggies. She’s even written a book about it. Henry and the Hidden Veggie Garden, Williams-Paisley's first book, was written in support of the Love Your Veggies™ grant program, which has awarded more than half a million dollars in nutrition grants to elementary schools nationwide.
The Love Your Veggies™ grant program is sponsored by the makers of Hidden Valley® Salad Dressings in partnership with the School Nutrition Foundation and supported by Produce for Better Health Foundation. The campaign aims to increase access to – and consumption of – fresh fruits and vegetables in elementary schools across the country at a time when schools are required by federal mandate to strengthen nutrition and exercise programs as part of local wellness policies.
Williams-Paisley co-wrote Henry and the Hidden Veggie Garden with the person she calls one of "her first and best teachers," her father, Gurney Williams III. The book tells the story of a typical boy who'd rather play video games than play outside and who prefers to eat pizza and burgers instead of peas and carrots. But after a visit to his aunt's farm, Henry discovers a new way of eating and living, which he comes to embrace in a surprising way. Williams-Paisley peppers the book with aspects of her own life – from the farm, which is reminiscent of her Tennessee home, to the character Huck, named after her young son, William Huckleberry.
Click here to purchase your copy of the book for $5.00.
Help Your Kids Learn to Love Their Veggies!
Making sure that kids eat enough veggies and fruit is easier than you may think! Most kids under 12-years-old should eat between 2-5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day.1
Here are a few tips to help your family enjoy balanced meals and show your kids that veggies can be fun to eat:
- Take an Adventure – Explore veggie varieties from other regions around the world, and discover the taste and nutritional value they have to offer. Once a week, create a family dinner themed around a new country and feature a dish made with veggies native to that region.
- Go for a Dip – Pair favorite veggies with a cup of low-fat ranch dressing, hummus or peanut butter for a quick and tasty treat.
- Veg-Out Sandwiches – Enhance deli sandwiches with veggies, such as avocado and tomato slices, red onions, Romaine lettuce, and roasted red peppers. Toss finely chopped sweet pickles, celery, green onions, fresh herbs or grapes into a tuna or chicken salad and serve on a whole wheat English muffin.
- Play With Your Food – Make veggie-eating a game. Spread a whole-wheat bagel half with low-fat cream cheese and let kids create their own fun faces with pre-cut veggie pieces that resemble eyes, noses and mouths.
- Veggies on a Stick – Grill up delicious veggie kabobs. Give kids chopped-up chunks of assorted veggies, such as summer squash, red onions, mushrooms, asparagus and green peppers, add their favorite seasonings and allow them to create a customized BBQ veggie creation.
Most importantly, be involved. Behavior change is most effective when your children learn good habits from you at home and at school. Find more tips and recipes by clicking here.
1 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans