Newswise — As parents prepare to send their students back to school, researchers at Utah State University are implementing creative and innovative programs that any family can use to teach children the importance of healthy eating habits and combat the growing national trend of childhood obesity.
These programs are being developed at the Edith Bowen Laboratory School, located on the USU campus. University professors, researchers and students come together at this practicing lab school to discover and implement the best techniques in educating children. Its nutrition programs led the U.S. Department of Agriculture to award it the 2004 Regional Best Practices Award in the "Increasing Fruits and Vegetables Consumption" category. "From the lunchroom to the dinner table, our programs teach students to appreciate nutrition," said Janet Anderson, a professor in the dietetics program at Utah State who oversees one of the nutrition programs at the school. "And we don't do it with overcooked school peas or any other typical school lunch menu item. It truly is a gourmet meal on a typical budget."
Research-based programs at the school, including the Fruit and Veggie Fair and the Little Blue Luncheon, contain concepts that parents can easily apply in their own home. Through their research, dietitians and professors at Utah State offer practical nutrition tips to prepare students to go back to school happy, healthy and eager to learn. The Fruit and Veggie Fair is an educational and fun event where children learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle while having a good time. University dietetics students prepare lessons on the value of nutrition and present them to the kids. One specific activity allows children to carve characters out of fruits and vegetables while learning about the essential vitamins they contain.
The Little Blue Luncheon is a complete formal dining experience where students learn about and practice healthy eating habits. The lunch is hosted by the dean of the College of Education and prepared by university culinary arts students. The kids dress appropriately, use polite conversation and follow the host's lead. All of this takes place with linens, dinner music and creative centerpieces.
Kaye Rhees, principal of the Edith Bowen Laboratory School, said she is concerned about the nutrition habits of her students and other students across the nation.
"The rising rate of childhood obesity in this country is frightening," Rhees said. "Our school is so fortunate to be a part of such a large research institution like Utah State, and we want to share the benefits with anyone we can. Our nutrition programs are specifically designed to be implemented by any parent in any home."
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