Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables every day will promote good health and may help reduce the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers. In addition, it may help to reduce allergies brought about by additives and preservatives in processed foods and it may increase student achievement by reducing absences due to poor health caused by unhealthy diets. Healthy living promotes proper development of the brain and its functioning.

The Alisal Union School District’s Network for a Healthy California program seeks to increase public awareness of the importance of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables every day for better health through nutrition education and garden based nutrition and physical education. The AUSD Network for a Healthy California works with preK-6th grade students and school community parent groups.

Nutrition Education

The Alisal Union School Network for a Healthy California works with first grade through sixth grade students. Nutrition Educators meet with classes and present nutrition education classes on a regular basis to our district’s students. They the various grade levels, present lessons that are appropriately designed to meet the requirements of our state standards and that follow the Network for a Health California, Champions for Change educational plan. They also design and present lessons that are cross curricular and it is not uncommon for our educators to incorporate science, language arts, math, health, English Language Development and physical fitness with nutrition. They cover topics such as the new food pyramid, portion control and the components of our nutrients. The goal is to have students learn about the benefits of fruits and vegetables and of physical activity so they will be able to make wise choices in the care of their bodies. They use the materials from the Harvest of the Month to ensure that students are also being exposed to fruits and vegetables they might not normally eat. Students are given the opportunity to try new fruits and vegetables through our taste testing and healthy snacks sessions.


 
“Funded by the USDA’s Food Stamp Program through the
California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families.  This
institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.  The Food
Stamp Program provides nutrition assistance to people with low
income.  It can help buy nutritious food for a better diet.  For
information on the Food Stamp Program, call 1-888-328-3483.” 

Position:

Contact: