Program News
Youth Nutrition in a School Near You!
The Youth Nutrition Education Program is now in full swing for the 2007-2008 school year. Nutrition-focused programming is being taught in many qualifying Lane County schools. The lesson series are delivered in the classroom and in after-school programs. Nutrition messages focus on the USDA MyPyramid, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the importance of physical activity and food safety. All classes incorporate hands-on, interactive lessons, many of which include snack-making activities that reinforce messages covered in each lesson.
Curriculum varies according to grade level.
- Kinders - 2nd grade: Smart Start Eating and Reading
- 3rd grade-Show Me Nutrition-Building My Body
- 4th grade- Arianna's Nutrition Expedition
- 5th grade- Exercise Your Options
- Afterschool Programming-Super Snackers
New Employees at NEP!
The Nutrition Education Program would like to welcome two new education program assistants to our staff. Cindy Roach (L) joined the NEP team in April 2007. Cindy works with youth throughout the county in the schools and afterschool programs. Amy Donley (R) joined the NEP team in November 2007 and works with both adults and youth.
Here's what Education Program Assistant, Amy Donley says about working with the youth here in Lane County:
When a 2nd grade student in a Family Nutrition class rewarded me by saying, “I learned so much just playing that food game. Now when my teacher asks our class health questions at school, I will know the answer!”, I realized that children not only further their nutritional knowledge through these classes, but they enjoy learning about it as well! As an Education Assistant, I have the privilege of working with various-aged youth in and outside of schools, engaging them in curriculum based nutrition. Through such programs, children discover that they are capable of making healthy, educated choices that will keep their bodies growing strong. With high energy learning games, hands-on activities and the ever popular “snack making” portion of the lesson, participants are able to develop life applicable knowledge and skills toward creating a healthy lifestyle.
Cindy Roach shares some student art work from her class at Bohemia Elementary School in Cottage Grove:
Check back for more Program News soon!