Purpose

Early nutrition education is particularly important to promote lifelong habits that will contribute to health and well-being.

Description

WeCanEndHunger includes links to helpful information and materials on a wide range of food and nutrition topics.  Please LET US KNOW if you have suggested items that can be added on NUTRITION EDUCATION.

USDA

MyPyramid Plan can help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you. 

Features include:

• MyPyramid Plan - Want to know the amount of each food group you need daily?  Enter your information to find out and receive a customized food guide.  A MyPyramid Tracker is also offered.
• Inside the Pyramid
• Tips and Resources
• Dietary Guidelines gives science-based advice on food and physical activity choices for health.
• For Professionals
• Related Links

USDA TEAM Nutrition

Nutrition Education Resources

Resources for Educators (list of resource materials including some downloadable items and order form for others)

• Serving Up Success! - Innovative activities linking learning and nutrition
• Middle School Nutrition Education Kit
• The Power of Choice - After-school activities for adolescents
• Child Nutrition and Health from the USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center

Community Nutrition Action Kit

• Youth Activities
• Family Activities 
• Community Activities 
• Resources 

READ IT Before You EAT IT

Center for Disease Control

Policies to Encourage Healthy Eating

BAM! - Body and Mind website for kids that also provides a Teacher’s Corner

Fruits and Veggies Matter – Designed to encourage individualized change to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health.  Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling.

USDA and U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

Dietary Guidelines for Americans – Booklet providing guidance on ways to enjoy food while taking action for good health.

Office on Women's Health (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services)

For Teachers and Educators through GirlsHealth.gov website ages 10-16

Nutrition Education Resources from Various States

California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activities and Nutrition)

• Jump Start Teens - Real-life, cross-curricular lessons encourage students to eat healthy, keep moving and take action!
• Huesos Fuertes, Familia Saludable (Strong Bones, Healthy Family) - Spanish-language bone health curriculum for community health workers.

KidsEatWell.org – Illinois Nutrition Education & Training Program

• Nutrition Education for Kids
• Nutrition Education Resources for Parents
• Nutrition Education Resources for Childcare Providers
• Nutrition Education Resources for School-Age Programs

Food Safety Lessons (interactive on-line lessons with Teacher’s Guide and tests for Grades 9-12) – Iowa State University Extension

Family Nutrition Education Programs – University of Missouri Extension

Nutrition Education Material – Oregon Nutrition Education Program

Nutrition Education of Texas (lesson plans for all grade levels)

Nutrition Education Teaching Resources – Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program

Other Resources

Science and Our Food Supply (FDA Teacher’s Guide for middle and high school levels)

Dairy Council of California

• Making Healthy Food and Activity Choices (upper elementary - middle school)
• Exercise Your Options (middle school) - Students assess their food and activity levels and make plans for improvement
• Nutrition Education Program Curriculum Materials (grades K-8 inc. after-school programs)
• Deal Me In...food and fitness - Card game for grades K-2 and 3-6

Outcomes

Selecting Appropriate Elementary School Nutrition Education Resources (article in Encyclopedia Brittanica from the American Journal of Health Studies - Volume 22.4, 2007) - Nutrition education is a vital tactic for improving eating behaviors among children.  Many materials and lessons are accessible to health educators and teachers for use in the classroom or during after-school programs.  Selecting appropriate materials for the target audience is key for promotion of healthy eating behaviors and prevention of risky eating behaviors.  Based on review of the literature, four desirable elements of nutrition education materials are outlined: positive messages, food tastings, developmental appropriateness, and content integration.

Nutrition Education: Principles of Sound Impact Evaluation has been developed by USDA to assist with designing evaluation techniques for nutrition education programs.