Photo: Port of San Diego

A new study from MSNBC reports that food ads on television have more pull when it comes to children’s food selection over parents.  Children ranging from 3-8 years of age were shown programs including three commercials; one group viewing an ad for French fries and the other an ad for apple slices and dipping sauce. It is reported that 71% of the children that watched the French fries commercial whose parent’s had a neutral influence chose to eat French fries over apple slices when given the option; 55% did when their parents encouraged them to make the healthier choice. Of the children who watched the commercial for the apples, only 46% went for the French fries when parents remained neutral and 33% did when parents promoted the healthier choice. Read More

Yesterday was a grand day for me, since I had the pleasure of visiting The Children’s Storefront school for a small cooking demo. The Children’s Storefront is an independent, tuition-free school in Harlem, serving kids from pre-K to 8^th grade. Their truly inspirational mission is based on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity for an excellent education, no matter their income level or neighborhood. Being located in the heart of Harlem, many kids attending the school come from lower-income families but  are still guaranteed a comprehensive education that works to empower them for a bright future. This particular food demo and being able to witness the school’s garden and operations were truly proof of their great work. Read More

Photo: majorsteel25

By: Dylan Rodgers

How are we supposed to know what a well-balanced diet looks like?  Given the recently spilled truth about some ‘organic’ crops, how are we supposed to figure out what’s really healthy and what’s not?  The USDA’s food pyramid and now “My Plate” gives too rough of an idea of nutrition for Americans to intelligibly grasp.  Despite the menial efforts of organizations to deter our trip down the road of obesity, many Americans don’t seem to be getting the picture. Read More

Photo: NC Reedplayer

By: Saira Malhotra

Food stamps have been around since 1977. Even today, the principle is the same, but the packaging has changed. Now known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the paper coupons have been switched out to debit card ‘look-alikes’, however, the principle is ultimately the same ‘to provide assistance to low income families.’

What brought about this change in branding that served the country well for so many years? Read More

Photo: Shinyai

In recent days, we’ve seen many schools in the US planning to increase nutrition as part of their meal programs in efforts to promote healthier diets among children. While these plans will hopefully lead to healthier eating through an increased consumption of organic foods free of pesticides, other schools are facing trouble keeping those same pesticides away from meals. Tragedy has stricken Peru, as reports of deaths have surfaced after contaminated lunches were served to 100 children. Read More

Photo: Alyssssyla

By: Melaina Gasbarrino

Summer is a time for kids to enjoy the playgrounds, beaches and parks; it’s not a time to think about whether or not there will be food on the table. Families across America are struggling to provide for their children during the summer months because of high food prices or their dwindling incomes. Read More

Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture

The United States is finally focusing on new healthier lifestyles for children, much thanks to the Child Nutrition Bill and Michelle Obama’s drive to create a healthier America. First things first, noted in CNN’s “Obama Signs Child Nutrition Bill”, The Child Nutrition Bill was signed back in December by President Obama to “encourage better eating habits by giving the federal government more authority to set standards for food sold in schools.” The bill seeks to increase free healthy meals for children in low-income areas and requires schools to abide by the US Department of Agriculture’s healthy eating strategies. By implementing the Child Nutrition Bill schools are able to create healthier lunches one day at a time. Read More

Encourage your children to try new foods, like sushi! Photo: Mike Saechang on flickr

Pizza, macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers: these are all staples of a typical kid’s meal plan. But what if they had a proclivity towards sushi? Or spicy curry? It can happen! Read More

It’s amazing to see a transformation from unhealthy to healthy food in school cafeterias. Often isolated in wealthy schools, the Family Life Academy Charter School (Flacs) in Harlem has revamped their lunch line to feature fresh, whole, healthy foods. Read More

With more kids on the move than ever before thanks to Michelle Obama’s campaign for childhood fitness and greater public awareness, new nutrition questions are emerging. What to feed your kids after tough workouts to keep them strong? Read More