Explore these resources to find tips and strategies that staff and families can use to encourage healthy eating. Find recipes for healthy meals and snacks and learn more about how good eating habits contribute to children's growth and development.
Healthy eating is essential to a child's nutrition and well-being. Children who are overweight are at risk for chronic health problems. The Weight-control Information Network (WIN), a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), offers guidance to parents and caregivers on how to encourage healthy eating habits in children.
The Positive Eating Environment Self-Assessment for Early Care and Education (ECE) Programs offers a brief, user-friendly way to assess basic mealtime practices. Learn how this assessment can help center-based and family child care programs that serve 3 to 5 year olds. Staff can use this tool to evaluate the availability of healthy nutrition and mealtime environments. It can also be used for staff discussions and policy planning.
Giving children healthy meals and a variety of healthy snacks at scheduled times during the day is important to keep children healthy. Get tips for healthy snacks to give children.
Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy is good for both the mother and her baby. Use this information to help increase awareness of healthy eating habits during pregnancy.