Dietetic Professionals Partner With Schools to Promote Team Nutrition

Abstract

Team Nutrition is a United States Department of Agriculture initiative designed to improve the health and education of children by creating innovative public and private partnerships that promote food choices for a healthful diet through media, schools, families, and communities. The goals of Team Nutrition are to: 1) expand the variety of foods children have in their diet; 2) add more fruits, vegetables, and grains to the foods children already eat; and 3) assist children in constructing a diet lower in fat. Dietetic professionals can play a unique role in promoting Team Nutrition goals in schools because they understand the importance of healthy eating habits among children and have the skills and ability to convey the importance of good nutrition to others. Nevada's “Team Nutrition Partners” program was created to facilitate their involvement in schools. The goal of the program is to enhance the school environment by promoting the consumption of healthful foods and increasing access to nutrition education. Dietetic professionals were recruited and trained to serve as volunteers within schools. These volunteers (n-17) conducted environmental scans at participating elementary and middle schools (n-18) to identify potential changes regarding nutrition that would result in long-term improvements in the school environment. Results were discussed with school principals and an action plan was agreed upon. Implementation of plans have resulted in many positive impacts: established a new school breakfast program; educated parents on good nutrition through the parent/teacher association and school newsletters; conducted nutrition workshops for teachers; worked with teachers and parents on healthy alternatives for school fundraisers; and located nutrition education resources for teachers.Project funding was provided in part by the Nevada Division of Health.