Dear Colleagues,

Spring has finally arrived here in California.   After my son's first four baseball games being rained out, we can now begin to play ball!   Many other kids can now get out for soccer, tennis, lacrosse, basketball or whatever sport or outside activity.

As food service professionals, parents and consumers, we continually read about childhood obesity and the lack of physical activity and healthy eating patterns.   With spring here and summer approaching, it always interests me to participate in the team snack that is provided to the kids by parents after a sports game.   I am always amazed when parents bring a snack for the game that consists of a sugary drink and candy or any type of sugary snack treat.

After physical activity it seems that a tasty nutritious snack sends a better overall health message.

I have observed the same actions in some schools where at the end of a physical education class the students are given candy as a reward or treat.    I do not believe that these teachers or parents are intentionally trying to counteract the attributes of activity.   I believe many of them just don't correlate them together and perhaps have not looked at providing healthy alternatives.   I heard about one teacher giving the students frozen peach slices for a treat after an outside activity.   To me, that sounds like a tasty healthy choice and something I would want for students and me alike.  

Teaching by example is a wonderful way for parents and teachers to help students make healthier food choices.

I know of a school district that recently developed their wellness policy. A team of parents, teachers, school administrators, the district school nurse and the food service director, is working together to eliminate non-nutritious snacks and treats provided by teachers as well as all foods provided by parents in the classroom for birthday celebrations and parties.   This is a big challenge and one they plan to accomplish over time.   The food service director is working with the group in developing materials that provide healthy choices and alternatives to parents and teachers.

It is important that we think about nutritious eating throughout the whole day, including after PE and sports practices. We all want our young students to develop into healthy adults with well-rounded diets, which means thinking about food choices in and outside of school. If your district or school is using fruits and vegetables, especially California Cling Peaches, in any interesting ways, please write and share. I'd love to hear about it!

Best,

Diane Wegner Deshler

Schools and Commodity Director

dianewd@echopr.com