Good Health Skillathon

Probably we have all heard the Proverb—“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” or “He who enjoys good health is rich, though he knows it not.”— Italian Proverb.  This is so true!  What a good reason to make it ones’ priority to target children with information on healthy choices to promote good health!

The Gallatin County Nutrition Program Assistant took part in a Good Health Skillathon to promote healthy choices knowledge to the kindergarten thru second grades at the Gallatin County Elementary School.  The Nutrition Assistant presented information to ninety-six second graders. 

Five stations at the Skillathon included food groups and sorting, a food group challenge, hand washing, food selection/My Plate, and a My Plate bracelet was made to help the students remember the food groups and daily servings for each.

The evaluations showed that 50% could identify fruits and vegetables, 39% could identify grains and dairy with a 100% accuracy.  According to cafeteria workers since the Skillathon, several children have inquired about healthier choices for their breakfast and lunch.

The Nutrition Assistant will continue to work with young children so that making healthy food choices becomes a habit to them…just like brushing their teeth!  Youth won’t have to wait to learn food knowledge as an adult, but will know it at an early age.  Youth will realize that healthy food choices leads to their good health and that their good health is wealth!