University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis.—Students learn about healthful eating and apply what they learn as they choose food and beverages throughout the school day. “Classroom instruction on nutrition and health can be strengthened or sabotaged by food and beverages that are made available during and after school, “ says Susan Nitzke, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension.

Research has shown that improving a school’s food environment can have a positive effect on the quality of students’ diets. “School cafeterias are the most visible part of the school food environment, but opportunities to offer healthful food and beverage choices don’t stop in the cafeteria,” says Nitzke.

Following are ways to enhance the quality of foods and beverages at school:

- Feature whole-grain foods, low-fat milk and fresh local produce for lunch, ala carte options, and breakfast.

- Freshly cut-up fruit is a wholesome alternative to cookies and candy for treats in the classroom.

- When vending machine contracts are negotiated, add nutritious items such as water, milk, juice, fruit, nuts, bagels and yogurt. Also feature them in the school store and concession stands for athletic events.

- Consider rewards given in a spelling bee or neatest desk competition. Replace candy and fast food coupons with non-food rewards. In a recent survey of Madison middle schools, students’ favorite rewards were free time or games in class, outdoor activities, and tokens for prizes. Other options are movie coupons, stickers, and selecting a topic for an art project or writing assignment.

- Many after-school programs offer snacks. Smoothies, cheese and crackers, mini sandwiches, or cut-up vegetables with dip are nutritious and satisfying.

- Schools that accept advertising to support school equipment and functions should have a process for examining the health and nutrition impact of in-school promotions.

- Many Wisconsin schools have wellness councils to develop policies for food/beverages and physical activity. Contact your school’s principal or district administrator and offer to help develop or update a wellness policy.

For information on promoting a healthy school environment, contact your county UW-Extension office. The Action for Healthy Kids web site, www.actionforhealthykids.org, features a “What’s happening in your state?” link with information about activities to promote health in Wisconsin schools. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Guidelines for School Health Programs to Promote Lifelong Healthy Eating are online at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/nutrition/pdf/summary.pdf