1. Schools should discourage families from joining children for lunch because this creates a distraction and children may
not eat as well.
Encouraging families to have lunch with their children is one way that schools can involve
them in nutrition education activities. Parents can experience the nutritious foods that
children are served, read posted menus, and talk with other families about different meal
patterns. In addition, children enjoy having their families visit and to see what they are
learning about and doing.
Rationale for Teaching Children About Nutrition
hsn.maro.10.19.01 – Explain why it is important to educate young children about nutrition,
and the role schools and families should play in this process.
United States – NAEYC.02 – Building family and community relationships.
United States – NHES.02 – Students will analyze the influence of family, peers, culture,
media, technology, and other factors on health behavior.
2. Foods high in sugar and/or fat should be reserved for special classroom celebrations such as on holidays and birthdays.
Foods served to children should be nutrient-dense. Calorie-dense foods do not provide
children with nutrients that are critical for healthy growth and development.
Planning a Nutrition Education Program for Children
hsn.maro10.19.03 – Explain why it is important to educate young children about nutrition and
describe the role that schools and families play in the process.
United States – NAEYC.01 – Promoting child development and learning.
United States – NHES.03 – Students will demonstrate the ability to access valid information,
products, and service to enhance health.
3. The teacher must never leave the room during a nutrition activity that involves food or utensils that might harm a child.