Kaua‘i District Schools are partnering with the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the Kaua‘i District Health Office to pilot the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program and Kaua‘i Nutrition Education Network this school year. The program endeavors to teach children and
Kaua‘i District Schools are partnering with the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the Kaua‘i District Health Office to pilot the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program and Kaua‘i Nutrition Education Network this school year. The program endeavors to teach children and families the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables and to be physically active every day. At King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School, nutrition education is taught in the classroom on a daily basis.
Based on the USDA dietary guidelines students learn basics in meal choices, healthy snacks, fruits and vegetables and the importance of daily physical activity.
Another aspect of the program is involving the parents with the nutrition concepts that reinforce healthy eating at home. The school is sponsoring healthy events throughout the school year including family nights, coffee hour with the principal, and a nutrition health fair. With the current rate of obesity and early onset of chronic disease, it is the goal of the Hawai‘i State Department of Health to support schools by providing ongoing nutrition education within the classroom and community to benefit the health and well being of our island.
For more information contact Kimberly Pasco, Kaua‘i Program director, at the Kaua‘i District Health Office.
