School-Based Programs & Resources
The HealthierUS School Challenge
The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary initiative established in 2004 to recognize those schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity.
Recess Before Lunch
Evidence in showing many benefits to scheduling recess before lunch. Read more on this topic on the NEA website and Peaceful Playgrounds. The Montana Team Nutrition Network has also created a guide called Recess before Lunch: A Guide to Success which will help schools make the change.
PACK – Pack Assorted Colors for Kids Program
PACK is a simple five-day educational program aimed at encouraging kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, as well as a wider color variety, while at home and school. Last year hundreds of thousands of elementary school children “packed” more colorful fruits and vegetables into their diets. School nurses said the PACK program engaged their students in a dialogue about fruits and vegetables and started the year off with a focus on healthy eating. The PACK program is a collaboration between Welch’s and Produce for Better Health Foundation.
How Can You Participate in PACK?
Each day of the PACK five-day program is assigned a different color to help children focus on broadening their selection of fruits and vegetables. Whether children buy lunch at school or “pack” it from home, they’ll be encouraged to include fruits and vegetables of the color of the day in their snacks and lunches. Since all forms count – fresh, dried, canned, frozen and 100% juice – it’s easy to eat more fruits and vegetables each day.
Schools, nurses, teachers click here for free downloadable materials. Parents can learn more about how to implement to program by clicking here.
Together Counts
Together Counts is a nationwide program inspiring active and healthy living. Together Counts was started by the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a broad-based not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help reduce obesity, especially childhood obesity, by encouraging positive and permanent lifesytle changes among school-aged children and their families.
For Teachers
Free lessons plans available for download so you can teach students the importance of healthy and active lifestyles in and out of the classroom.
Fruit & Veggie Color Champions
Fruit & Veggie Color Champions is an interactive online resource for children ages 2 to 8. Help your child learn about eating healthy with food champion games, activity pages, coloring sheets, and easy, healthy recipes.
Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge
Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge (grades K-8) is a flexible framework that makes it easy for schools to help youth and their families eat healthy and be active every day. Game On! helps schools increase awareness of existing programs and tailor new initiatives, like school breakfast, to the needs of their school community. Through fun, paired “challenges” around Making Better Food Choices and Moving More, Game On! leads to positive changes in behavior that impact student health and achievement.
Fuel Up to Play 60
Fuel Up to Play 60 enables kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and students to take action to improve nutrition and physical activity at their school and for their own health. The program can be tailored to meet each school’s wellness goals and features easy enrollment at no cost, step-by-step guidance for adults and students, incentives to motivate students and rewards to recognize those who take action.
Students Taking Charge
Students Taking Charge (grades 7-12) is a national program where secondary students can learn, join together, and take action to make their schools healthier places to learn and achieve. Students Taking Charge helps youth investigate their school, develop an action plan, and translate their own creativity, energy, and passion into programs and policies like school breakfast! Through Students Taking Charge, students gain leadership skills as they improve their school health environment for themselves and their peers.
Health & Wellness Flyers
Explore and download helpful printed materials promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for Siouxland’s youth.
Pick a better snackTM
Learn more about encouraging fruits and vegetables as snacks with Iowa Nutrition Network’s Pick a better snackTM campaign,.