Buckeye students learn Snap-ed
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ADENA -- Buckeye West Elementary students learned the value of nutrition during a special program through the Ohio State University Extension Office.
Audrey Haught is a program assistant for SNAP-Ed. She visited the school Sept. 18-21, speaking to pupils about nutrition and healthy practices. SNAP-Ed is a free, evidence-based educational program that helps individuals with healthy eating patterns, increased physical activity and shopping tips when on a budget. Additionally, it aims to decrease obesity in children and adults.
The program has been in place since the 1990s, Haught said, noting it is offered through the OSU Extension Office with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"We discussed such topics as MyPlate, proteins, healthy drink choices and reading nutritional labels," Haught stated.
MyPlate focuses on servings of whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy products. Half of the plate is made up of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
Children learned the importance of reading labels to understand what is in the food they consume, Haught said. She addressed third- and fourth-graders, with plans to return in the spring, when she will speak to fifth-and sixth-graders.
Haught partners with West Elementary and has spoken at the Sycamore Center in Steubenville and at the after-school program at Indian Creek Middle School.