08/27/99 American Dietetic Association Urges Parents: Send Kids Back To School With Good Nutrition

American Dietetic Association Urges Parents: Send Kids Back To School With Good Nutrition

Press Release

August 27, 1999

Contact: Bridget McManamon, Lori Ferme or Tom Ryan
E-mail: media@eatright.org
(Please do not publish/broadcast contact information)

AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION URGES PARENTS: SEND KIDS BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOOD NUTRITION

As a new school year begins, kids will be running out the door with thoughts of seeing old classmates, joining new clubs, participating in school sports and getting good grades. With all that in mind, chances are these kids are not paying much attention to the proper nutrition needed to accomplish all of this.

"Nutrition and learning go hand in hand. Kids who are nutritionally fit are more likely to have the energy, stamina and self-esteem that enhance their ability to learn," says Sheah Rarback, a Miami, Fla., registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

To kick off this school year, ADA offers parents some tips to help ensure both proper nutrition and a successful school year for your child.

What’s for Breakfast?

Start with a healthy breakfast. For children and teens Rarback says, a morning meal is especially important. "Breakfast prepares children to meet the challenges of learning. Those who regularly eat a morning meal tend to perform better in school, often scoring higher on tests."

"Breakfast eaters have higher school attendance, less tardiness and fewer hunger-induced stomachaches in the morning. They concentrate better, solve problems more easily and have better muscle coordination. Kids who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight, too," Rarback says.

Make breakfast fun by planning it with your child; decide who prepares what and work together to get it done. If your child doesn’t like traditional breakfast foods, don’t worry --breakfast can be any food they like, even a slice of pizza.

Short on time? Keep quick-to-fix foods on hand or get breakfast foods ready the night before, such as mixing a pitcher of juice.

If kids use the excuse of not being hungry, start them out with a light bite, perhaps juice or toast. Then send them off with a nutritious mid-morning snack: yogurt, cheese or a bagel.

How about lunch?

For children and teens, meals served at school contribute significantly to their overall nutrient and energy needs. Do you know what they’re eating? In most school districts, school meals are regulated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). "Through guidance from the USDA, many schools are improving the nutritional quality of lunch and designing the meals to supply about one-third of the nutrition needs for young people," Rarback says.

However, parents can play a role in school meals served to your child. Here are some ways you can help him or her choose healthful meals:

  • Get familiar with the menu. Keep a current school lunch menu in your kitchen and go over the menu with your child. Talk with him or her about making choices in the cafeteria line and practice at home.
  • Get involved. Join the parent advisory committee for the school food service program. If none exists, take charge and work with the school staff to set one up.
  • Support the nutrition education efforts at school. Find out what your child is learning, and try to apply those lessons at home.

If your child prefers to brown bag it to school, pack meals that are easy to prepare and fun to eat, as well as healthful, safe and nutritious. For example, sandwiches, raw veggies, crackers, string cheese, whole fruit and pudding are fun foods that still supply good nutrition.

Let children help plan and prepare school lunches. When they’re involved, chances are they will resist trading their carrots for cookies.

Find out if your child prefers a brown bag, insulated bag or lunch box. A lunch box is easier to clean and it may keep food cool longer, but be sure to wash it after every use. If a brown bag is the tote of choice, use a new one every day.

What about those after-school snacks?

Carefully chosen, snacks promote good health and add pleasure to life. They can supply needed nutrients that can be missed in meal choices. Stock your refrigerator and cabinets with ready-to-go snacks: yogurt, cottage cheese, lean deli meats, fruit juice, milk, washed ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables, animal crackers, popcorn and cereal. Your child will appreciate the convenience of grabbing a quick healthy snack as a way to "re-fuel."

Overall

"A well-nourished child is a ready-to-learn child," Rarback says. "Food nourishes at every age and stage in a child’s life and proper nutrition is crucial for social emotional and psychological development. Teaching children how to eat healthy will enable them to establish a foundation of good nutrition and healthful lifestyle habits."