BACK TO SCHOOL NUTRITION

James E. Meyer, Northeast Region Nutrition Specialist and Ralls County, University Outreach and Extension

As a new school year approaches, parents should keep in mind the important role nutrition plays in assuring kids a successful school year. 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. Running out the door with thoughts of seeing old classmates, joining new clubs, participating in school sports and (hopefully!) getting good grades, kids will not be paying much attention to the proper nutrition needed to accomplish all of this. Parents can help ensure that their child is well-nourished and ready-to-learn by considering the following tips.

Start with a healthy breakfast. For children and teens a morning meal is especially important to prepare them to meet the challenges of learning. Many studies have shown that those who eat a morning meal tend to perform better in school, score higher on tests, have higher school attendance, less tardiness, better concentration and muscle coordination...and kids who eat breakfast have fewer hunger induced stomachaches and are less likely to be overweight.

Having said all that, are you wondering how to get a child to eat breakfast and where the extra time needed for a morning meal will come from? You can 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 foods can be any food they like, even a slice of pizza. Keep quick-to-fix foods on hand or get breakfast foods ready the night before, such as mixing a pitcher of juice. If kids say they are not hungry, start them out with something light like juice or toast and send them off with a nutritious mid-morning snack such as yogurt, cheese or a bagel.

As for lunch, meals served at school contribute significantly to kids overall nutrient and energy needs. Do you know what they are eating? School meals are usually regulated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Through USDA guidance many schools are improving the nutritional quality of lunch and designing the meals to supply about one-third of a child's nutrition needs.

Parents can play a role in helping a child choose healthful meals in several ways. Keep the school lunch menu in your kitchen, go over it with your child, and talk with your child about making choices in the cafeteria line. Get involved and work with school staff to form a parent advisory committee for the school food service program. Support the nutrition education efforts at your school. Through FNEP (Family Nutrition Education Program) educators go into many schools in Missouri to teach nutrition to kids. Contact your local University Outreach and Extension office to see if an FNEP educator can come to your school.

If your child prefers to brown bag it to school, let your child help plan and prepare school lunches. When they're involved, chances are they will resist trading their carrots for cookies. Pack meals that are easy to prepare and fun to eat as well as nutritious. A few examples are sandwiches, raw veggies, crackers, string cheese, whole fruit and yogurt or pudding.
Finally, for after-school snacks choose foods that supply needed nutrients that can be missed in meal choices. Stock up with ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables, animal crackers, popcorn and cereal. Your child will appreciate the availability of quick healthy snacks.

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 that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.