Youth & Family Services' new health project, Healthy for Life, works to integrate structured, routine nutrition education into YFS' center-based programs along with increased access and exposure to healthy foods.
This month focus on introducing children to some more green vegetables. In the spirit of spring and growing gardens, enjoy this time lapse video of a patio garden in London over a growing season.
One of the easiest seeds to grow in a small container is a bean. Consider sprouting some beans with your children. Individual containers like a milk carton or a larger pot can be used to germinate seeds. Fill the container with potting soil and find a warm sunny spot for your project. You should be able to see the sprouts within a few day. Do not forget to water! Talk to your kids about what plants need in order to grow. You can also sprout seeds in a small Ziploc bag and show children the emerging root stem.
During the months of January and February,136 classroom activity sessions were offered to 2159 children within our Youth & Family Services programs. Nutrition promotion activities included some of the following:
82 GI kids sampling "Popcorn cauliflower" (see recipe in earlier post) with an overall "thumbs-up" response
YFS Rapid City Head Start offering a hands on cooking experience for 13 parents. Jill reported "We made Extra Easy Spinach Lasagna" and offered that parents were surprised they liked the spinach in the finished casserole. the group also prepared a 3 lettuce salad and the children got involved with the hands on activity of cutting up tomatoes, cucumbers and avocados. While the lasagna baked, the children went out to play.
Our Kid Tips Healthy for Life March newsletters shared an interview with one of our Head Start Parents who is enthusiastic about promoting food experiences and garden activities with her children.
YFS also provided a yummy Lunch and Learn opportunity for more than 30 staff. The Registered Dietitian offered a talk on "Olive oils and a brief review on the principles of the Mediterranean diet. We tasted a variety of healthy oils and also learned some "oil" trivia.
YFS Nutrition staff spent time in Adams kitchen that same afternoon experimenting with some new recipes to consider for menu options.
Thanks to the staff for their enthusiasm and commitment to promoting wellness with our children, families and staff!
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all purpose or whole wheat flour
1-1/4 cup Crispy rice cereal 2 cups quick cooking oats 1/2 cup craisins or raisins (optional) 1/2 -1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional) 1/2 to 1 cup nuts, chopped (optional)
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add honey, vanilla and egg; mix well.
In a separate bowl, mix together cinnamon, baking powder, salt and flour. Add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
Stir in oats, cereal and raisins, chips and nuts as desired.
Press into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
