Making a Difference

The Let’s Eat Healthy! Program has been in Placer and Nevada Counties schools since the fall of 2001. Over the past nine years a UC CalFresh Program Representative has taught nutrition lessons and provided research-based hands-on curriculum to qualifying schools in Placer and Nevada Counties. During the 2010-2011 school year thirteen elementary schools and 22 Preschools will be participating in the program.

Each classroom receives an introductory lesson at the beginning of the school year and a review lesson in the form of a game in the spring. Many fifth-grade students have received lessons since they started preschool!

What teachers say about the Let’s Eat Healthy! Program:

• I integrate the program whenever I can.

• This program has made students aware of why we encourage healthy food choices.

• Students love the lessons.

• The program continues to be outstanding.

• This program supports our nutrition unit and physical activity program.

Teachers tell us how they have made nutrition a part of their teaching day:

• I make sure to incorporate nutrition into other subject areas.

• Every week I have a lunch bunch. I bring fruits and vegetables to share.

• We now all wash our hands before snacks and lunch.

• The food bank donates food and we analyze it before eating.

• We make healthy choices for our party treats.

• I remind my students to make healthy choices at snack and lunch time.

By working together with the schools, Let’s Eat Healthy! is making a difference. As one teacher said, “My students and I love this program! Having the “Nutrition Lady” launch the program is encouraging. Having her come back ensures that I follow through with the lessons. We are all making better choices.” Another said, “It’s easier to talk about healthy food because we have a common language.”