November 5, 2008

NEW MyPyramid for Preschoolers Poster Coming Soon!

MyPyramid for Preschoolers is a full-size poster that includes the messages of MyPyramid for Kids but utilizes illustrations of preschool children. The poster targets children ages 2 to 5, and illustrates preschool children in an age-appropriate physical activities. The poster will be available to child care centers to order or download from the Team Nutrition Website in late 2008 at http://teamnutrition.usda.gov

Also check out the new MyPyramid for Preschoolers website for parents of preschoolers at http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/index.html

October 14, 2008

Hot off the Press! Media-Smart Youth Trainers Guide

We Can!™ announces the release of an exciting new training resource for community sites that are currently or are planning to implement Media-Smart Youth. The train-the-trainers guide entitled Media-Smart Youth: Eat, Think, and Be Active: Guide for Training Program Facilitators is now available at no cost for order and download on the We Can! and Media-Smart Youth Web sites.

The guide was developed to help community educators and leaders train other people to implement the Media-Smart Youth curriculum.  It includes half-day and full-day training options, along with a supplemental CD-ROM with slide presentations.

Though prior training is not necessary to successfully implement Media-Smart Youth, many facilitators have said that some form of training enhanced their abilities. This new training guide will strengthen potential facilitators' comprehension and ability to convey the knowledge and skills to young participants.

Whether you’re just starting to implement the engaging and effective curriculum for youth ages 11-13, or you’re offering the program for the second or twenty-second time, everyone can benefit from this guide.

October 13, 2008

New Rule Concerning Fluid Milk Subsitutions in School Meals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently issued new regulations on beverages that can be substituted, under certain circumstances, for milk in the National School Meal Programs for children who are unable to consume cow’s milk because of medical or special dietary needs.

To view the final rule click here.

October 9, 2008

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is available now. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans include specific recommendations for children and youth to participate regularly three (3) or more days per week in each of the following types of physical activity: resistance exercise to enhance muscular strength in the large muscle groups of the trunk and limbs, vigorous aerobic exercise to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk factors, and weight-loading activities to promote bone health. Click here for more information and to view the full report.

October 9, 2008

New AFHK Report for Administrators

School administrator support is key to promote healthy schools.  Progress or Promises? What's Working For and Against Healthy Schools is an Action for Healthy Kids Report that examines efforts to improve nutrition and physical activity in schools. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of current school wellness practices, reflecting findings from a recent survey of more than 2,000 national experts and professionals in the field. In addition to analyzing new and existing data, the report also includes the authoritative voices of numerous leaders in education, children's health, and school wellness. This brief provides report highlights - and important action steps - for school administrators.  http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/pdf/AFHK%20AdminBrief.pdf

October 3, 2008

Win National Recognition with the HealthierUS School Challenge!

The HealthierUS School Challenge is a national recognition program for elementary schools that excel in promoting and supporting student wellness.

• HealthierUS School Challenge, USDA
• New! HealthierUS School Challenge brochure (PDF) - learn how Illinois NET Program can help you meet the Challenge
• New! HealthierUS School Challenge Manual - step-by-step manual to meeting 2008 Challenge criteria. Call (800) 466-7998 for a free copy for Illinois schools.
  
• Schedule free HealthierUS School Challenge training. Request training online or call (800) 466-7998.

Call Illinois NET Program at (800) 466-7998 for more information.

July 29, 2008

New Healthy Counties Database

The National Association of Counties today announced the release of the Healthy Counties Database, a new resource containing more than 100 profiles of model policies, programs and initiatives that counties nationwide enacted to prevent childhood obesity. The database is designed to help county officials promote healthy living by improving the health of their environments. Each individual profile includes a brief description of the practice, county demographics, contact information, funding sources and additional resources. Today, obesity is one of the most urgent health concerns for our children. During the past four decades, obesity rates have soared among all age groups, increasing more than four times among children ages 6 to 11. Nearly one-third of all U.S. children and adolescents, more than 23 million, are either overweight or obese. County officials, as lead policy-makers at the local level, have a unique role to play in making it easier for children and families to make healthy choices.

The profiles contained in the database therefore focus on a variety of topic areas, including some not traditionally considered health-related, such as zoning, economic development and agricultural sustainability. The benefits created by these types of model practices positively impact children’s access to healthy foods and physical activities. The Healthy Counties Database is available on NACo’s Web site at www.healthycounties.org/database. Support for the Healthy Counties Database is provided by Leadership for Healthy Communities, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

July 18, 2008

School health fair planning tips

Health fairs are a good way to inform, entertain, and promote positive health practices. If your school wants to hold a health fair, the Internet offers some very useful planning resources.  The following websites provide some good starting points.  Remember to start early for the best results.

A Guide to Organizing and Promoting Your Health Fair, American Academy of Pediatrics

https://www.aap.org/family/healthfairkit.htm

Health Fair Planning Guide, Texas Cooperative Extension

http://fcs.tamu.edu/health/health_fair_planning_guide/index.php

Health Fair Guides, United Health Care

https://www.uhctools.com/page/hw_healthfairguides.jsp

To borrow free nutrition and health related resources, visit the Illinois Nutrition Loan Library at: www.kidseatwell.org.

July 18, 2008

Schools receive more than $250,000 under federal fresh fruit and vegetable program

Twenty-five schools statewide will receive more than $250,000 to buy additional fresh fruits and vegetables for students during the 2008-2009 school year. The federally funded Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP) is designed to increase the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables by students.

The federal program provides all students in participating schools access to a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day.

More than 50 schools statewide applied for the program. Each school will be reimbursed on a monthly basis for allowable expenses up to the school’s total awarded amount.

For the State Board of Education press release on FFVP, go to:
http://www.isbe.net/news/2008/july10.htm

For a list of the 25 participating schools and a map their locations, go to:
http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/ffv_program.htm

For additional information on the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, including nutritional tips and recipes for parents, go to:
Fruits & Vegetables – More Matters – http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/
USDA’s My Pyramid – http://www.mypyramid.gov/

July 2, 2008

Healthier School Challenge update

As you enhance and improve your school lunch menus, you may consider applying for the Healthier US School Challenge. The criteria have been modified to reflect the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 

Schools submitting applications effective January 1, 2009, must use these new criteria. If you submit your application before January 1, 2009, you can use the current criteria. 

For additional information, go to: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/HealthierUS/Index.html

July 2, 2008

NEW Resource Lists from USDA

The Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) has recently updated several resource lists.  These are available in PDF from FNIC’s website at the following URL: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/resource_lists.shtml
Child Nutrition and Health

• Food and Nutrition Fun 2008
• for Preschoolers  
• for Elementary Age Children  

Ethnic/Cultural

• Cultural and Ethnic Food and Nutrition Education Materials: A Resource List for Educators 2008

June 24, 2008

NEW Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report Released

On October 26, 2006, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt announced that the Department would develop comprehensive guidelines, drawn from science, to help Americans fit physical activity into their lives. The first step in the development of the Physical Activity Guidelines was the establishment of the independent Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, which was charged to review existing scientific literature to identify where there was sufficient evidence to develop a comprehensive set of specific physical activity recommendations.

The Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, 2008 is now available. It is the product of the 13 member Advisory Committee and more than 30 additional consultants. You can access the report by clicking the Report link at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/ . The 683 page report can be viewed or downloaded in its entirety or by individual chapter. The report presents and summarizes the Advisory Committee’s review of science relating physical activity to a variety of health outcomes. It also addresses the benefits of physical activity for particular subgroups of the population such as children and youth, pregnant and postpartum women, persons with disabilities, and individuals with some chronic conditions. The report will be a valuable resource for students, researchers, or anyone interested in the health benefits of physical activity. It provides the scientific basis for the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which is currently being developed by the Department of Health and Human Services for a planned fall 2008 launch.

You are invited to provide comments on the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, 2008. We also welcome views, information and data relevant to the development of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The Committee's Report will not be amended in response to comments. However, all comments will be considered in the preparation of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Further details about providing comments can be found by clicking the Comments link at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/ .

March 15, 2008

Visit Step Up Illinois School Meals

The Step Up Illinois School Meals website will help school nutrition staff plan, prepare and promote school meals that demonstrate the Dietary Guidelines. The website was developed by the Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program in collaboration with the Illinois School Nutrition Association, Action for Kids-Illinois and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The website provides:

• sample menus that meet Dietary Guidelines principles,
• ready-to-go promotion plans,
• funding opportunities
• nutrition education materials, and
• food preference surveys.

Visit the website at www.kidseatwell.org/stepup.html
 

Upcoming Training

November 13, 2008

Call to Leadership: Elevating School Wellness to a Higher Level

Don't miss this free webcast on December 8, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST for school administrators, school board members, health and wellness coordinators, parents, community leaders and other school wellness advocates.

Join our distinguished panel of national leaders in discussing -

• The urgency to create healthier schools in America
• Engaging school and community leaders as allies
• Overcoming systemic barriers in school nutrition and physical activity
• Examples of breakthrough leadership at the building level

Free registration online at www.ActionForHealthyKids.org

November 7, 2008

FY 2009 FOOD ASSISTANCE AND NUTRITION RESEARCH CONFERENCE

The annual Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Conference identifies emerging research issues related to domestic food assistance and nutrition programs administered by USDA. Recently completed research will also be discussed. This year’s conference—Emerging Issues and Recent Findings—will be held on December 4, 2008, in the Frederick Waugh Auditorium at the Economic Research Service, 1800 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. Information on registration and a conference agenda is available.

See http://www.ers.usda.gov/ConferenceCenter/FANRP/FANRPDec2008/

October 28, 2008

ReCharge! Energizing After-School Webinars

•   Tuesday, December 9, 2008 – 12pm ET/9am PT
•   Thursday, December 11, 2008 – 3pm ET/12pm PT

Action for Healthy Kids is presenting webinars on the ReCharge! school program. an after-school program designed to help students in grades 3 to 6 learn about and practice good nutrition and physical activity habits through fun, team-based strategies. The cost of the webinar is $40.

Click here to register the webinar and/or the ReCharge! kit.  We will contact interested participants during the week of November 10, 2008 to confirm your registration and information.

To register for the webinars or order a kit, click here. 

October 8, 2008

Mark Your Calendars to Attend a Local Wellness Policy Conference: March 18-20

The Illinois NET Program will coordinate three regional conferences for local wellness policy teams and school staff charged with meeting local wellness policy requirements. Dates and sites will include:

• Naperville (3-18)
• Champaign (3-19)
• Whittington (3-20)

Topics will include evaluation of local wellness policies, Illinois success stories and grant opportunities to support school wellness. More information and a registration form will be available on the KidsEatWell.org website in January 2009.

October 2, 2008

National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI) Announces USDA Foods Satellite Seminar Event

In celebration of National School Lunch Week Food and Nutrition Services’ Food Distribution Division, in partnership with the Child Nutrition Division and the NFSMI has created a USDA Foods Satellite Seminar training video to be aired October 15, 2008, at 2:15 p.m. EST.  This seminar will cover the use of USDA commodities in schools, and address commodity quality, nutrition, and improvements.  The video also includes a panel discussion with several prominent child nutrition professionals from around the country in which they share the positive experiences with USDA foods, and how they integrate them into their nutrition programs.  For more information go to “News and Events” section of the NFSMI website home page at http://www.nfsmi.org and go to “NFSMI Presents: USDA Foods, America's Finest Satellite Seminar” link.

October 1, 2008
 
Space is Limited. Register Now for this Course !
Preventing Childhood Obesity: An Ecological Approach
October 15 through November 25, 2008
 
Go to www.ecornell.com/cnw  to register and for more information. There is a link to a course outline under the More Information section on this page.
 
Here are some comments from those who have already taken this course:
This course was extremely timely in my work in community health.
Overall, I felt the course was easy to use and well done. Thank you!
This ecological approach has been extremely useful... It is empowering!"
 
Please note, to enroll in the course, you first need to be a member of Cornell NutritionWorks. Membership is free. If you aren't already a member, go to www.nutritionworks.cornell.edu.  You will then need to complete the separate eCornell course enrollment process and submit payment via credit card at www.ecornell.com/cnw.

 Course Summary:
 
Childhood obesity is of concern to many members of the community. Faculty in the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell have developed an in-depth online course to help guide you in taking an ecological approach to preventing childhood obesity in a local community. An ecological approach leads you through a series of assessments (of behavior, of the environment, and then of specific local factors) to help you diagnose the underlying causes of excessive weight gain in children. An intervention based on this approach is more likely to be effective because it focuses on changes needed at the local level to support healthy eating and active living.
 
In this 6-week long course, you will be applying this approach, while focusing on a community where you work, via a four-part project that runs through the course. A facilitator will interact with you and other participants throughout the course.   The format provides structured flexibility, which allows you to work on your own time and at your own pace, but within structured deadlines. The course is expected to take approximately 2 to 3 hours of time per week over the 6 weeks for a total of 12-18 hours.  Class size is limited to about 25.  The cost is $150 and the course provides 15 CPEUs.
 
If you have questions, contact nutritionworks@cornell.edu

.

August 18, 2008

National food safety education month tackles food allergens

September marks the 14th annual National Food Safety Education Month (NFSEM). This year's theme is "Take Action to Prevent an Allergic Reaction.” 

The National Restaurant Association Solutions encourages restaurant and food service operators to begin planning for the month-long safety campaign. This year will focus on the importance of food safety education for the restaurant and food service industry, while raising awareness of the industry's commitment to food safety.

As part of this educational effort, there are free weekly training activities and free posters and promotional pieces that reinforce the theme, “Take Action to Prevent an Allergic Reaction.”

September's five weekly themes are:

• Know the Common Food Allergens
• Communication with the Customer
• Avoiding Cross-Contact
• When Mistakes Happen
• Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

Industry professionals are encouraged to take part in the food safety education.  The free educational materials and training activities are available for download at www.nraef.org/nfsem. Previous years' activities are also available on the website.

For more information on how to get involved in NFSEM, call 312-715-1010, ext. 712.

May 14, 2008

National Food Service Management Institute Training Resources

With the rising concern of food costs and food rationing, now more than ever portion control is important for your food service operation. Forecasting and serving the correct portion size will help to control the cost of food and prevent food waste.

Here is just one example of how portion control can save you money.
If serving 1⁄2 cup (No. 8 scoop) instead of 1⁄4 cup (No. 16 scoop) increases the cost of one serving only $.03, the serving cost of $.03 multiplied by 600 customers would increase the cost of one food item on the menu by $18.00 for one day. If this occurred just 75 days during a school year, the cost would increase to $1,350.00 per year. If this occurred 180 days (the average number of days per school year) the cost would increase to $3,240.00 per year.Do your employees know the correct serving sizes for the utensils used in your operation?

Check out On the Road to Professional Food Preparation and Basics at a Glance poster as possible training resources for your operation.

Grant Opportunities

November 10, 2008

Making Kane County Fit for Kids Grant Opportunity

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charities, governmental or other public, non-profit entities. Applicants must represent a coalition in a geographically defined area that has been formed or is being formed to address childhood obesity.

Request For Proposals            Complete Application

This RFP will support local communities as they convene stakeholders and implement activities to improve the health of the community. Applicants applying for implementation funding may request up to $100,000 for a twelve month program.  Applicants applying for convening & planning funding may request up to $30,000 for a nine month planning process.  One implementation grant and three convening & planning grants will be funded.

Due Date: December 12, 2008

June 24, 2008

Consider Applying for 2009 Youth Garden Grant

The National Gardening Association plans to award 125 Youth Garden Grants ($250.00 to $1,000 value) to schools and community organizations with child-centered garden programs.  Evaluation will be based on one or more of the following elements:

• educational focus or curricular/program integration
• nutrition or plant-to-food connections
• environmental awareness/education
• entrepreneurship
• social aspects of gardening such as leadership development, team building, community support, or service-learning.

Who should apply: Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and intergenerational groups throughout the United States are eligible. Applicants must plan to garden with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18 years. Application deadline (postmark date): November 1, 2008.  For further information, visit
http://www.kidsgardening.com/ygg.asp

May 5, 2008

Expanding Breakfast Awards

Midwest Dairy Council and St. Louis Dairy Council are providing Expanding Breakfast Awards in Illinois. A total of $6,000 will be awarded to schools in which Expanding Breakfast (i.e. an alternate breakfast service) is currently offered. Alternate breakfast could be breakfast in the classroom, "Grab and Go" or Breakfast after First Period, Delayed or "Second Chance Breakfast".

To apply, please visit your local Dairy Council website at www.midwestdairy.com or www.stldairycouncil.org.

Schools that have offered expanded breakfast option(s) for at least 3 months are encouraged to apply. Awards are provided to individual schools; more than one school per district may apply. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, November 14, 2008.

April 3, 2008

Grant Opportunities for Programs that Support Children's Health

2008 Healthy Sprouts Awards – Deadline: 10/15/08

Funding and supplies are available for a youth garden program for 20 schools with children between the ages of 3 and 18. Projects must incorporate nutrition education and educate children about hunger in the United States. Applications are available online at www.kidsgardening.com/healthysprouts.asp.

Outdoor Classroom Grant Program – Deadline: Rolling

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, International Paper and the International Paper Foundation, and National Geographic Explorer classroom magazine are awarding grants to K-12 schools and/or districts for $2,000-$20,000 for new or enhancing existing outdoor classrooms, including fruit and vegetable gardens. See www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/outdoor/index.html for more information.

Albertson’s Corporate Contributions Program – Deadline: Rolling

Albertson’s provides funding for youth and education and health and nutrition programs for schools within areas of operation, including Jewel/Osco stores. To view eligibility requirements, visit www.albertsons.com/abs_inthecommunity/default.asp.

November 19, 2007

Websites to Check for Funding Opportunities that Support Student Wellness

The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors provides a web page that consolidates funding opportunities aimed at improving chronic diseases. Page available at:
ttp://www.chronicdisease.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3574

Center for Health and Health Care in Schools - grant opportunities for schools are posted at: www.healthinschools.org

USDA Team Nutrition - his webpage lists sources of wellness funding for local wellness policy initiatives at: http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Healthy/wellnesspolicy_funding.html

Illinois NET Program KidsEatWell.org - post current grant opportunities for Illinois schools on this page (What's New) so be sure and bookmark it.

Illinois NET Program Illinois Schools Can! electronic newsletter updates subscribers on new grant opportunities. Sign up to receive a copy at: http://www.kidseatwell.org/ASP/ISCNewsletterForm.asp

November 12, 2007

GOT Breakfast Grant Opportunity.

The "Got breakfast?" Foundation provides grants to school districts interested in serving classroom breakfast. Studies have shown that Classroom Breakfast raises test scores, reduces health issues and doubles, and in some cases triples, participation numbers in the Federal School Breakfast program. We hope that these grants will serve as a catalyst for providing classroom breakfasts throughout the country and in the process help the millions of students who qualify for a free or reduced-price breakfast receive the most important meal of the day. For more information on obtaining a grant, please call 866-786-9028.
"Got Breakfast?" grants were awarded to Namaste Charter School of Chicago, Maple Elementary School of Love's Park and Nokomis Junior and Senior High School in Nokomis, Illinois this year.

November 12, 2007

School Breakfast Grant Opportunity Available

School Breakfast Start-Up Grants are available up to $3,500 to begin a school breakfast program. Visit http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/breakfast_state.htm to download the simple application. Do not delay, apply today.