BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Saint Mary School students got a lesson in making healthy food choices on Thursday morning. It is not always easy for kids to eat healthy during summer vacation. Their schedules typically are less structured during the summertime. Many have more access to healthy food during the school year, thanks to school breakfast and lunch programs.
Students in grades 3 through 5 stepped out of the classroom and into the aisles of Stop & Shop in Branford. Store managers and a nutrition specialist taught them about making healthy choices. They learned about natural and organic food and about healthy options for meals and snacks.
“I think starting at a young age and having healthier options will definitely help them build the habits going forward, to help them to make smarter choices,” said John Baillie, Health and Wellness Coordinator at Soundview Family YMCA.
“There’s so many other options besides sugary cookies, sugary cereals and anything that’s not good,” said Emilie Agamie, a student at Saint Mary School.
Experts say there are things that parents can do to help their kids make better choices. Kids need to snack between meals and it’s important for them to choose healthy options. Dietitians recommend giving kids a say in what you are buying and in what you are serving.
“One thing that parents could do that’s really a favor to kids is to involve them in the food selection,” said Dr. Ellen Liskov, Outpatient Registered Dietitian at Yale-New Haven Hospital. “If you’re gardening, involve them in the gardening process. Kids who are involved more in the picking out of foods and the simple preparation of foods are more likely to accept those foods.”
Dietitians also recommend sticking to reasonable mealtimes as much as possible, especially during the summer months.
