Healthy Eating Active Learning

The childhood obesity epidemic is one of the greatest threats to the wellbeing of our children. As the Center for Disease control has stated, at this present rate, one out of every three children born since 2001 will develop diabetes in their lives.  Some of the most dramatic increases in the number of overweight and obese are being observed among preschool-aged children.

The following links are being offered to help parents and other concerned  early childhood educators access additional information and guidance in how we can all work together to protect our children’s health.                                                       

• Network for a Healthy California www.networkforahealthycalifornia.net     
• Marin County Nutrition Wellness Program www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/HH/Main/nwp/nutritionwellness
• Network for Healthy California’s Tool Box for Community Educators   www.network-toolbox.net
• The Center for Eco-Literacy www.ecoliteracy.org
• California State School Garden Network – California Department of Education supported school garden program tool.   www.csgn.org
• Edible Schoolyard at Marin Luther King Jr. Middle School – First of its kind school nutrition garden programs for grades 5-8. www.edibleschoolyard.org
• Spatulata Kids Cook On-line – Learn directly from the kids as they prepare a range of delicious nutritious treats www.spatulatta.com
• Early Sprouts - Gardening and Nutrition Experiences for the Young Child (Early Sprouts) curriculum model for disease prevention. www.earlysprouts.org
• Garden Kids – Early Childhood Education Health Education Professional Services to help evaluate and develop programs, products and advice for growing gardens and healthy children. www.gardenkids.net
• Farm to School - Farm to School connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local and regional farmers. www.farmtoschool.org
• Active Play - Fun low cost physical activities for young preschool age children. www.activeplaybooks.com
• Contra Costa Child Care Council - Answers to questions  and much more for teachers and parent to learn about children’s  healthy eating habits www.cocokids.org/health-and-nutrition/nutr
• Children’s Nutrition Education Collection - This Marin County database is designed to provide librarians and teachers with the ability to search for specific books and other media that support the nutrition education topics outlined in the CA Department of Education’s SHAPE Nutrition Competencies for Children in grades Pre-K to grade 3.  www.childrensnutritioncollection.org
• Harvest of the Month – Want to learn more about how to grow healthy children. This California-food based nutrition education web-site has handouts for teachers, parents and children.  www.harvestofthemonth.com
• Fruits and Vegetables Matter - How Many Fruits and Vegetables do you need to eat? Every body is different. On this web site one enters their age, sex, level of physical activity to find the amount that’s right for you. www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov
• USDA My Pyramid - Helps one to understand the importance of eating from each of the food groups. The most recent edition is web-based and filled with good advise for healthy eating. www.mypyramid.gov
• Nourish Interactive - Is your free one stop resource for fun nutrition games for kids, interactive nutrition tools and tips for parents and health educators to use to promote healthy living for the whole family. www.nourishinteractive.com