Parents and Nutrition
Through the GMS Power-Up program students are given chances to eat healthy. We encourage parents to do this at home too. Eating fruits and vegetables is one way to reduce the risk of many diseases; it is recommended that more fruits and vegetables be eaten than any other food group. But with busy schedules, picky eaters, and tight budgets this may be more difficult than it sounds. Here are some easy things parents can do to improve their family’s nutrition:

• Eat meals as a family
• Keep healthy snacks, like dried fruit, in your pantry
• Ask your kids to help prepare part of a meal

For a personalized eating plan and to assess food choices, visit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Website.

National Nutrition Month
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) has declared March “National Nutrition Month.” National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign that focuses on the importance of making good food choices and developing good eating and physical activity habits. Here are some ideas of things you can do at your school to celebrate:

• Ask students trivia questions about different foods in the lunch room
• Have a coloring or poster contest
• Play “Fear Factor” during lunch one day and serve unusual fruits and vegetables
• Invite students to give ideas to lunch personnel for the lunch menu
• Introduce students to different ethnic foods

If you would like more information on National Nutrition Month visit the American Dietetic Association Web site.

Getting your Power-Up Committee Involved
Studies show that involving adolescents in decision making is one of the best ways to make changes at school. Involving your Power-Up Committee in policy writing and while planning events is important in making the Program successful at your school. Here are some ideas that will help you involve your Committee:

• Show them the Power-Up Committee assignments in the Power-Up Guide
• Have your Committee plan an event for students
• Ask Committee members to give a health tip during morning announcements
• Use your Power-Up Committee to help decide which criteria your school will implement next year