With school routines firmly in place, this is a great time to focus on healthy choices at school.

In the first year of the local wellness policies mandated by Congress, school districts across Montana have made exciting and significant changes in nutrition and physical activity for students and staff.

During October, National School Lunch Week and International Walk to School Month provide perfect opportunities for parents to support the changes in their local district. It is also an excellent time to get involved in ongoing efforts to create the healthiest possible learning environments.

“Montana continues to be a pioneer in creating healthy school environments,” said registered dietitian Katie Bark of the Team Nutrition Program at Montana State University in Bozeman. “In our efforts to provide what’s best for kids at school, Team Nutrition, funded by a USDA grant, works closely with administrators, teachers and Child Nutrition Directors in all Montana districts. We also collaborate with the volunteer leaders of statewide groups like Montana Action for Healthy Kids and Montana PTA, as well as local community groups across the state.”

During this week’s National School Lunch Week, Montana school cafeterias are celebrating a trend towards healthier lunches. Parents, grandparents, and other family members are encouraged to join children for lunch and taste the positive changes in school meals for themselves. Some of the changes in Montana schools include:

Both Billings School District No. 2 and Billings Catholic Schools have switched to healthier a la carte items in middle schools. Veggie boats and fruit cups have been sell-out hits.

Box Elder schools won a HealthierUS School Challenge Award for their efforts, which include a morning nutrition break for teens, a salad bar for grades 6-8, and fruit bars for all ages.

Lewistown schools have increased participation and improved nutrition with healthy Grab-and-Go high school meals, daily entrée salads and fresh fruits/veggies four days a week.

To learn about Montana school wellness in action, download “Making It Happen in Montana” at www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/SchoolFood/SchoolWellCase

Studies.pdf. The School Nutrition Association has information for parents at www.schoolnutrition.org/parent.aspx?id1981

Tasty Ways to Enjoy Smart Nutrition at School

Smart food choices provide the fuel that kids need to perform well at school, both in the classroom and during athletic events. There are many ways to support smart choices wherever children, staff, and families eat together on the school campus. Family involvement is always an important part of healthier school environments.

Get behind breakfast at school. When it comes to school performance, there’s no doubt that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A morning meal fuels children’s brains for paying attention, staying on task, and absorbing new information. If your school offers breakfast, use it whenever you need it. If not, ask if they can start a program.

Support school lunch. Exciting things are happening in school dining rooms including more fruits and veggies, more whole grains and more tasty good-for-kids options. As you read the menus, realize that things have changed and that pizza may have a whole wheat crust, low-fat cheese, and several veggies. Join your child for lunch and taste for yourself.