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Focus on Kids: The Basics of Bringing Healthy Food to Camps, Schools & Child Care Centers

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in the United States. Since the 1980's the percentage of overweight children and teens have doubled and tripled respectively. Being overweight puts kids at greater risk of chronic disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and a host of other health complications.

The causes of this epidemic include increased portion sizes, consumption of soda and sweets, changing meal patterns (more fast foods, less breakfast and family meals), more sedentary activities like TV and video games and less outdoor activity.

Camps, schools, day cares and child care centers can do a lot to help stem the tide. Here are some ideas to consider in your purchasing program that can help combat this troubling trend.

Select and buy high quality food
Make and present healthy foods in an appetizing and attractive way
Plan the appropriate time for each meal – teach kids to savor and enjoy the meal
Create a pleasant eating environment
Have staff, teachers and counselors be good role models – encourage them to eat healthfully and talk about healthy eating when appropriate
Offer food that is age-appropriate
Maintain standards of behavior at mealtime

Here are some nutrition-related activities that can help educate children to make healthy food choices:

"Wellness Wednesdays"
Poster contest
Kitchen tour and cooking classes
Field trip to a local farm
Plant a vegetable garden and have the kids harvest and prepare meals from the garden
Purchase and display posters of athletes eating healthy foods
Let kids help plan menus

Foodservice industry news, events, tips and ideas from H&H Purchasing Services, a food service purchasing & management provider for small to medium-sized businesses and not-for-profits.