Healthy Eating for Healthy Bodies and Minds

Good nutrition is vital to achieving and maintaining health during childhood and throughout adulthood. A diet that is adequate, balanced and varied is the key to good nutrition and promotes strong, healthy bodies and minds. Research has established a clear link between nutrition, physical activity, health and the ability to learn. By teaching children good nutrition practices, life-long habits of health and wellbeing are established.

While parents are ultimately responsible for the nutritional health of their children, schools also have a responsibility to promote a healthy nutrition environment that positively impacts the health of children and their families. A healthy nutrition environment provides quality school meals, nutrition education and physical activity for all children. The goal of the AISD SHAC Nutrition Committee is to work cooperatively with school personnel, food service, parents, students and community organizations to provide a healthy nutrition environment in schools and promote children's health and academic success.

What is happening in AISD?

• Cafeteria makeovers to create pleasant eating environments
• Healthier selections for a la carte lines
• More fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy sandwich options
• AISD Nutrition Service Menus and More
• Wellness policy to restrict sale of junk food and beverages (FFA Local & FFA Exhibit)
• Vending machines stocked with healthier snacks
• Focus on non food fundraising ideas, classroom rewards and celebrations
• Training for elementary staff on CATCH program (Coordinated Approach to Child Health)
• Opportunity to participate in Healthier US School Challenge

How can I help my school?

Join PTA. Have your school become a member of Team Nutrition and form a Campus Wellness Committee by using the USDA Getting It Started and Keeping It Going Guide. Use the AISD SHAC Fit, Healthy and Ready to Learn Assessment Tool. Work with your principal, school staff, parents and community to support nutrition education and promote a healthy nutrition environment at your school.

Do I need experience in health and nutrition?

No! There are many resources available - at no charge - that are useful to principals, teachers and parents who want to create healthy school and healthy home environments. The SHAC website has information about tools, resources and community organizations that can help you.

• 5 A Day
  www.5aday.org
• Texas Department of Agriculture - Square Meals
  www.squaremeals.org
• USDA Team Nutrition
  www.teamnutrition.usda.gov
• AISD Nutrition Services
  www.austinisd.org/schools/menus
• American Cancer Society
  www.schoolhealth.info
• USDA Food Guide Pyramid
  www.mypyramid.gov
• Action for Healthy Kids
  www.actionforhealthykids.org/
• Healthier Generation Healthy Schools
  www.healthiergeneration.org
• Latino Nutrition Coalition - Camino Mágico
  www.latinonutrition.org/CaminoMagico.html