April 2019

If you give kids more fresh fruits and vegetables will they eat more? This is the kind of question researchers; school administrators and nutritionists ask as they evaluate school lunchrooms across America. Nutrition facilitators from the Healthy Schools Healthy Families program at Genesee County Intermediate School District (GISD) have begun the first phase of a …

Smarter Lunchrooms: Why School Cafeterias Look Different than They Used To Read More »

There’s nothing like an outdoor barbecue with all the fixings. It’s a sure sign spring is in full swing. Anytime families gather their meals tend to be more enjoyable, especially out in the fresh air. Adding the sizzle and smell of lean meats like a grilled turkey burger, marinated chicken, or fish, and vegetables makes …

Get Grilling Read More »

Leah Cox gives lessons on cabbage, kiwi and other lesser known fruits and veggies to students throughout Genesee County Intermediate School District. Then the Healthy Schools Healthy Families program manager and fellow GISD instructors gather them in small groups to learn how to make new dishes incorporating featured produce. Sampling healthy new recipes like cabbage …

What kids prepare, they often eat Read More »

If you want to get your kids interested in something new make a game of it, recommends Healthy Schools Healthy Families Program Manager Leah Cox. “Kids like challenges and puzzles,” Cox says. “So giving them the opportunity to decide which apple is best or what food sample to try provides a great way to motivate …

What they buy, they’ll try Read More »

Sometimes food favorites don’t always start out as winners. So says Genesee Intermediate School District’s Healthy Schools Healthy Families Program Manager Leah Cox. Many kids have super-sensitive taste buds and preferences of certain types of food texture, says Cox. But she reminds parents that, just because a child doesn’t like a food item the first …

Try, try, and try again Read More »

Finding foods with the highest nutritional value isn’t difficult if you know what to look for. Labels provide useful information that helps you make good choices about food products.  Look closely and you’ll begin to pick up on just what to look for to get the most out of the foods you buy. Families interested …

Getting the Most Out of the Foods You Buy Read More »

Backyard or community gardens provide a great way to connect with kids and an even better incentive for the entire family to eat and share healthy, home-grown produce.  Follow these simple tips to make your child's garden a fun experience for everyone:   Give them space Dedicate a small portion of the family garden or …

Get Growing! Read More »

There are many good reasons to teach our kids to garden, but one of the most important is the profound lesson gardening teaches them about life. To grow is to know, say food and wellness experts at 810 KIDS! Kids who garden learn about cultivating carrots and other vegetables early in life are more likely …

Dig In Read More »