Web Resources
Actions for Healthy Kids
A national nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the epidemic of overweight, undernourished and sedentary youth by focusing on changes in schools. At work in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to improve children's nutrition and increase physical activity, which will in turn improve their readiness to learn.
Alliance for a Healthier Generation – Healthy Schools Program
Any school in the United States can join the Healthy Schools Program and make a difference in the lives of students. We know each school is unique and faces different challenges so our support is customized and offers these benefits to propel each school to a healthier environment:
American Academy of Physicians Council on School Health (COSH)
Primarily for clinicians with an interest in school health, whether as a practicing clinician involved in the intersection of health and education or as a school consultant responsible for school or district school health issues. The site is intended to provide technical assistance and relevant resources to support this interest.
Brain Pop
For Grades 3 and Up
Brain Pop Jr.
For K-3
Brain Pop Español
Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention
Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) – Childhood Overweight
Contains data, science-based strategies, policy guidance, and information about national, state, and local programs to address child and adolescent overweight and obesity. Resources and initiatives include.
Healthy Schools Healthy Youth!
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for Healthy Schools Healthy Youth.
Make a Difference at Your School: Strategies to Prevent Obesity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviews scientific evidence to determine which school-based policies and practices are most likely to improve key health behaviors among young people, including physical activity and healthy eating. Based on these reviews, CDC has identified 10 strategies to help schools prevent obesity by promoting physical activity and healthy eating. CDC and its partners have developed user-friendly tools that help schools.
Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced "Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools" to describe the purpose of school-based BMI surveillance and screening programs, examine current practices, and review research on BMI measurement programs. The article summarizes the recommendations of experts, identifies concerns surrounding programs, and outlines needs for future research.
Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT)
PECAT will help school districts conduct a clear, complete, and consistent analysis of written physical education curricula, based upon national physical education standards. The PECAT is customizable to include local standards. The results from the analysis can help school districts enhance existing curricula, develop their own curricula, or select a published curriculum, for the delivery of quality physical education in schools.
Farm to School
Farm to School programs are popping up all over the U.S. These programs connect schools with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing health and nutrition education opportunities that will last a lifetime, and supporting local small farmers.
NIH: Curriculum Supplement for Middle School -The Science of Energy Balance
Explore the scientific principles of energy balance within the body (energy in versus energy out) and their impact on human health.
School Nutrition Association
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Team Nutrition: Healthy School Environments
The American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association, National Hispanic Association, National Medical Association, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) call on schools and communities to recognize the health and educational benefits of healthy eating and the importance of making it a priority in every school. At the same time, the associations are encouraging their members to provide leadership in helping schools promote healthy eating for our Nation's children. Establishment of local policies that create a supportive nutrition environment in schools will provide students with the skills, opportunities, and encouragement they need to adopt healthy eating patterns. Ten keys have been developed to assist each school community in writing a prescription for change. Download and print the Call to Action, below, and begin promoting healthy eating behaviors in your own school community.
USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans – Fact Sheets for Healthier School Meals
Developed for school foodservice professionals, these Fact Sheets offer strategies for purchasing, preparing, and serving meals consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
MyPyramid for Classrooms
Educational materials developed at the elementary school level to help children learn the MyPyramid food guidance system. Lesson plans for teachers are available in three levels: Level 1 (grades 1-2); Level 2 (grades 3-4); and Level 3 (grades 5-6).
Eat Smart, Play Hard! For Educators
Provides practical tools to help you motivate children and their caregivers to eat healthy and be physically active. Messages and materials are fun and based on MyPyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
School Meals