Good nutrition plays a pivotal role in the healthy development of preschool-age children. During these formative years, proper nutrition is essential for their physical growth, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

Preschoolers require a balanced diet that provides them with the necessary nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. Adequate intake of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for building strong muscles and bones, promoting brain development, and bolstering their immune system.

Healthy eating habits established during the preschool years lay the foundation for a lifetime of good health. A nutritious diet not only ensures children receive the energy they need to fuel their active bodies but also contributes to their ability to concentrate, learn, and explore their world. A well-nourished child is more likely to excel in their cognitive and social development, perform better academically, and have higher self-esteem.

In addition to physical benefits, good nutrition teaches preschoolers valuable lessons about making healthy food choices. By introducing a variety of nutritious foods at this stage, parents and caregivers can help children develop a taste for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other wholesome options. Encouraging them to try new foods and involving them in meal preparation cultivates a positive relationship with food and fosters lifelong healthy eating habits.

Because of the importance of teaching good eating habits to children at a young age, monthly nutrition classes are offered to both the Lyon County Preschool and the Lyon County Head Start Program.  Students are able to see, touch, and taste a variety of fruits and vegetables. Evaluation of programming with preschoolers was done in non-traditional ways as they cannot yet read and many are non-verbal.  When trying sweet potatoes in a recent class students were asked to “jump to the sky” if they liked the sweet potato or sit down in their seat if they did not.  A headcount of the unconventional voting was taken and 87% of the students enjoyed the sweet potato while 13% did not.   Additionally when asked if they would want their “grown-ups” to make sweet potatoes at home, 80% “jumped to the sky” while 20% sat down.  Newsletters and information about each nutrition class is sent home with students so that parents and caretakers are aware of what children are learning.  With the success of the partnership between the Lyon County Family and Consumer Sciences and the Preschool classes, program dates have already been set for next year’s classes.