Fostering the Power of Nutrition

As experts in the field of early childhood development, we believe in the “Power of Nutrition” to fuel the bodies and minds of children during a very critical period of growth. These formative years are when we nurture their foundation for a successful journey—not only to prepare for their school years but to foster lifelong habits.

To honor the importance of these building blocks, we celebrate National Nutrition Month across our community of schools. The annual campaign in March was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the initiative, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing mindful eating and physical activity habits.

School Menu Choices

No matter the season, the menus we create for our schools align with our comprehensive Grow Fit® program to prioritize wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients. Why? Because it’s important to support students with a healthy variety of foods at every age. That includes eliminating fried foods and limiting added sugar to promote steady energy levels throughout the school day.

Also on the menu are foods rich in high-fiber and whole-grains to support great nutritional balance. We also include lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, and beans, to support essential muscle growth and physical development.

It goes beyond just serving “healthy foods.” We also want to inspire them to try new flavors they may not have regular access to. Seeing their peers enjoying something unfamiliar may prompt them to give it a try too. So, to broaden their culinary horizons and encourage a strong, diverse palate, our menus feature multicultural options that introduce children to global tastes and inclusive food traditions early on. By combining these high-quality dietary standards with opportunities for physical movement, we help every child grow, learn, and thrive in a healthy environment.

Explore National Nutrition Month

Over the years, we’ve shared various blogs and family resources during March so you can explore National Nutrition Month with your children and learn more about what you can do at home to support a healthy start. Here are a few topics to get you started:

• Eat the Rainbow: Books that make nutrition fun for children of all ages. This blog includes reading recommendations by age. Grab a healthy snack and spend some time at the library together to discover new ways to nourish mindful habits.
  
• Hot Topics: Suggestions for making nutritional food appealing to children, even toddlers with big opinions about what’s on their plate. Get creative and watch the magic happen.
  
• Fresh, Frozen, or Canned: Is one better than the other? Learn about different ways to expand your menu at home, no matter the season or your budget.

Additional reading from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: 50 Ways to Get Involved in National Nutrition Month. Discover dozens of ways to prioritize healthy choices at home, at school, at work, while grocery shopping, and more!