Celebrating National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, and earlier this month communities around the world recognized School Meals Day on March 13. This internationally recognized day of celebration first occurred in 2013 and was coordinated by a nonprofit organization in Scotland. It has since grown into an annual day of action through charity and education. This year our observance of this special day begins where spoons and smiles meet: the lunch table.
Researchers from Tufts University’s School of Nutrition Science and Policy analyzed the trends in food sources of almost 21,000 children and nearly 40,000 adults. This published study, available through the monthly medical journal JAMA, measured the quality of all meals, snacks and beverages consumed by participants, who reported the source of each item (grocery store, restaurant, school facility, etc.) Findings show that while children had worse diets than adults overall, they got their healthiest meals from school. The study also identifies a correlation between the surge in nutrition standards mandates and the rise in food quality for children.
Many kids throughout the country are familiar with MyPlate, the colorful resource guides that list food groups and intake amounts at different life stages. The truth is few people prioritize regular, well-rounded meals. However, school lunches are one of the most consistent sources of at least one item from each (if not most) food group: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, fat and dairy. Because children attend school approximately 180 days within a calendar year, our cafeterias offer prime opportunities to encourage healthy habits and options. In doing so, we help them get through the day with the right amount of energy and enough joy to sustain them until dinner.
We invest in our communities and the future of those we care for by aiding the development of our youth and at-risk populations. Through initiatives such as our Summer Feeding Program, Brown Bag Buddies is able to reach just a fraction of households that need a little extra support when the last bell of the school year rings.
We’re fortunate to have businesses, neighbors and parents alike in our area come together in support of our area’s kids. If you’d like to get involved with our mission, you can contact us through our website or sign up for our newsletter to stay relevant on our events!