- The Marietta Family YMCA is getting children excited about fruits and veggies, according to The Marietta Times. Trying new, healthy foods is just one aspect of the Fit Kids program, which includes discussions on portion sizes and doing fun exercises. But it doesn’t end there: participants also get to take home pedometers, to track their healthy steps.
- In light of the new Department of Agriculture nutrition standards for meals, schools are getting creative in the lunchroom, some making their food from scratch (talk about legislation you can sink your teeth into). Among standard requirements are calorie and sodium limits and a wider selection of fruits and vegetables. Good-bye boxed lunch, hello salad bar!
- Many children get most of their nutrition for the day at school—Lima School’s Summer Food Service Program doesn’t see a reason that should end in the summer. A sample menu includes popcorn chicken, carrots, grapes and a brownie for dessert. The program has served over 10,000 healthy meals since it began about a month ago.
- A small volunteer organization in West Carrolton is making a big impact on children at risk for going hungry. On the weekends, the Pirate Packs Food To Go organization run by Frank Nicholas Elementary School provides food to about 40 children to support their nutritional needs. The program hopes to expand soon to serve more children in need.
