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Healthy School Parties

Schools can play a major role in helping students become fit, healthy and ready to learn. One way to accomplish this is for foods offered in schools to support lessons learned in the classroom regarding nutrition and physical activity. What better venue than schools, which have great impact on children to support the message that proper nutrition and physical activity are a key part of a healthy lifestyle? Positive examples of making healthy eating choices and encouraging physical activity should be visible throughout the school. Parties as well as cafeterias, school stores, vending machines, and after-school events offer opportunities for schools to reinforce the message that making healthy food choices and being physically active means a healthier body and a sharper mind.
 
Snack Ideas for School and Classroom Parties
Of course, the foods offered at school parties should add to the fun, but try to avoid making them the main focus... Remember, schools are responsible for helping students learn lessons about good nutrition and healthy lifestyles and students should practice these lessons during school parties. For example, consider combining student birthday parties into one monthly event that incorporates physical activity as well as healthy snacks. Also, be sure to consider ethnic and medical food restrictions and allergies when providing classroom snacks.
Here is a list of healthy snack choices to consider for your child’s classroom events. Serving all healthy food and incorporating physical activities make a powerful statement. Actions speak louder than words. Lead by example.
 
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Yogurt
  • Bagels and lowfat cream cheese
  • Vegetables and lowfat dip
  • Trail mix*
  • Nuts and seeds*
  • Fig cookies
  • Animal crackers
  • Baked chips
  • Lowfat popcorn
  • Granola bars*
  • Soft pretzels and mustard
  • Pizza (no extra cheese and no more than one meat topping)
  • Pudding
  • String cheese
  • Cereal Bar
  • Single serving lowfat or fat free milk (regular or flavored)
  • 100% fruit juice (small single servings)
  • Bottled water (including flavored water
*may be allergens and/or a choking risk for some people. Check with your child’s teacher.
 From Michigan Action for Healthy Kids and your School Nurse’s office..