Guidelines for School Health Programs To Promote Lifelong Healthy Eating. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports, Volume 45, June 14, 1996.

N

48

Adolescents; Child Health; Community Support; Diseases; Eating Habits; Health Education; Learning Activities; Nutrition Instruction; Policy Formation; Prevention; School Role; Teaching Methods; Young Children

School-based nutrition programs can play an important role in promoting lifelong healthy eating. Healthy eating patterns in childhood and adolescence improve childhood health and prevent health problems. School health programs can help children attain full educational potential and good health by providing them with the skills, social support, and environmental reinforcement they need to adopt long-term, healthy eating behaviors. This report summarizes strategies most likely to be effective in promoting healthy eating among school-age youths and provides nutrition education guidelines for a comprehensive school health program. These guidelines, based on a review of research, theory, and current practices, were developed by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in collaboration with experts from universities and from national, federal, and voluntary agencies. The guidelines include recommendations on seven aspects of a school-based program to promote healthy eating: (1) school nutrition policy; (2) nutrition education; (3) appropriate instruction for students; (4) integration of school food service and nutrition education; (5) staff training; (6) family and community involvement; and (7) program evaluation. Contains 229 references. (MOK)

1997

ED400104