School Program

The Family Nutrition Program offers educational mini-lessons to schools throughout Randolph County. These nutrition and food safety programs involve hands-on activities that make learning fun for students. Some of the topics are geared for specific grade levels–but, many can be adapted for any grade level, including special education classes. And if these topics do not meet your school's current needs, other nutrition-related topics can be requested. University of Illinois Extension provides all needed materials and supplies for these educational programs. There is no charge to local schools. Together we can help our children develop healthy habits for a lifetime.

Our health and nutrition programs can help you meet these Illinois Learning Standards:

• Understand human body systems and factors that influence growth.
• Understand principles of health promotion and the prevention of illness.
• Acquire movement skills and understand concepts needed to engage in health-enhancing physical activity.
• Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.
• Demonstrate and apply aknowledge and sense of numbers.

Clean Hands, Healthy Bodies
Adaptable to all grades
Students learn the importance of hand washing to prevent the spread of germs. Features fun "glo-germ" activity.

Food Guide Pyramid
Adaptable to all grades
These topics are offered as separate lessons with a variety of activities and food samples.

5-a-Day
Adaptable to all grades
This multi-lesson program emphasizes fruits and vegetables for better health.

Foods from Around the World
Adaptable to all grades
In this multiple-lesson program, students experience foods from different cultures.

Cool Summer Meals and Snacks
Grades 5 – 8
This session shows students how to eat healthy during the hot summer months.

What's in a Label?
Grades 5 – 8
Students put their reading skills to work as they learn about food labels.

Shopping for food
Grades 8-adult
Students learn to read ads, plan healthy menus, make lists and shop for groceries.

Exercise Your Way to Good Health
Adaptable to all grades
Students learn easy ways to incorporate more activity into their daily routine.

Safety in the Kitchen
Grades 3 – 8
Students learn basic skills related to food safety, kitchen safety and personal hygiene–to prevent the spread of bacteria and food-borne illness.

Healthy Snacking
Adaptable to all grades
For many students, snacks are a way of life . . . whether it's in the car, after school or while doing homework. This session helps students choose nutritious snacks as part of their healthy diet.

Youth Cooking Schools
Age 9-18– separate levels
Students participate in a week-long hands-on curriculum of basic cooking skills. They will make and sample recipes families enjoy.