Local schools focus on healthy meals

By Katherine Miller

CROWLEY – The “Fuel Your Imagination” campaign, began in November of 2007 and will run until March of 2008. It’s purpose is to educate parents and students about the importance of eating breakfast and lunch, and the benefits that eating them brings.

However, in Louisiana, the theme will be a more personal one. Next week, March 17-20, “Renouvelez l’esprit de la Louisiane!” or “Renew the Louisiana Spirit!” will be the theme. The logo for the week depicts a pelican with a fish in its mouth standing on top of Louisiana.

Mrs. Ruth Miller, Acadia Parish Child Nutrition Supervisor, said that each day of the week will be slated with a daily theme and activity, incorporating healthy eating habits and exercise. Themes for the week include, “The Spirit of the Louisiana 2 Step”, “The Spirit of New Orleans”, “The Spirit of Cuisine”, and “The Spirit of the French Language”. Miller further added that “fun activities help children to learn and remember and retain what they have learned better.”

A few health facts that both children and parents will learn during the week are such facts as, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Also, it has been proven that students who eat breakfast earn, on average, a letter grade higher in math than kids who don’t eat breakfast. Hungry children are more likely to have discipline problems, and that teens who eat breakfast are less likely to be suspended from school. Research also reveals that children who eat breakfast visit the nurse’s office less often, and that eating breakfast positively impacts weight measurement, as there is less risk of becoming overweight and/or obese for children who eat breakfast.

The Fuel Your Imagination website is a great way for parents to get involved with their children’s nutritional health. This website provides important nutrition facts for parents and fun games to get children involved as well. The web address for this website is www.schoolbreakfast.org.

For more information about school breakfast or nutrition issues, you may contact Mrs. Ruth Miller at 788-4096.