3 Ways Food and Nutrition Professionals Can Support a Healthy Community

Food and nutrition professionals play an important role in our collective well-being. From serving students at schools, out-of-school time programs, and community agencies, to educating students and families about nutrition and healthy eating, food and nutrition professionals are critical to fostering healthy, thriving communities. 

We know food and nutrition professionals have a lot on their *plates,* so we thought we’d round up a few of our favorite tips and tricks for promoting nutrition and wellness. Check them out below! 

1. Lead by example 

At Healthier Generation, we believe that happy and healthy kids start with happy, healthy adults. As a food and nutrition service team, it is important to prioritize your physical safety and well-being. For strategies to support your efforts, check out this two-part webinar series: Fostering a Culture of Wellness, Gratitude, and Self-Care: Strategies for Food Service Directors (Part 1 and Part 2). If you are looking for quick tips to support overall wellness, print or share our Wellness Wheel for Frontline Staff (also available in Spanish). 

2. Tap into resources that address foundational needs 

Over this past year, food and nutrition professionals have showcased their unwavering support for their communities. Through the offering of uninterrupted meals, implementation of innovative ideas such as grocery boxes, or sharing resources with families — food and nutrition professionals play a huge role in their community’s foundation. Check out these tools and trainings to support your efforts: 

• Kids Can Cook, Making Simple Snacks and Meals at Home — This webinar highlights tips and tricks to share with your community that empower kids to independently prepare healthy meals and snacks at home. 
• School Meal Programs Are for All Kids: CDC Healthy Schools Partners Promotion Toolkit – Use this toolkit to let parents know that school meals are available for all children and to encourage their participation in school meal programs. 
• Increasing Drinking Water Availability in Schools — A guide offering strategies and tips for success for increasing drinking water availability during COVID-19 and beyond. 
• Healthy at Home Top 10: A Family Engagement Playlist — In this interactive, 30-minute webinar, provides a top 10 playlist of practical strategies and inspiring examples of family engagement in healthy practices from across the country. 

3. Share new resources with families 

Looking for something new to try or share? Start by refreshing materials sent home with students with resources like Quick, Healthy Meal Planning (available in Spanish) and Simple Tips to Eat More Fruits and Veggies (available in Spanish). Another idea we love is tapping into farm to school strategies, like school gardens, that can enhance school meals and build strong relationships within the community.