Lynwood Unified Program Strives to Promote Healthy Eating Habits Among Children

Last week, hundreds of schoolchildren from the Lynwood Unified School District (LUSD) took park in a nutritional education program that encouraged them to pick out fruit and vegetables as a way to champion a healthy diet.

The LUSD Child Nutrition Department amassed a total of $569,096 in grant funds for its 2012-2013 programs. However, the fresh fruit and vegetable program, which is being carried in 9 elementary schools within the LUSD, is funded mostly by a $337,949 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. The latter is designed to incentivize the serving of vegetables and fruit during designated times at schools. 

“It's so important for our students to eat well so they can get the nutrition they need to be healthy and get the most out of their education," said LUSD Board of Education President Maria G. Lopez in a statement. "Through our proactive approach, we're not just telling them what they should be eating, we're showing them that they can enjoy a healthy diet."

LUSD officials insist that the program is not just a way to provide healthy food, but also instruct students on healthy habits.

"We're introducing some kids to fruits and vegetables that they've never had,” said Cathy Tang, LUSD director of nutrition services, in a statement. "The goal is to provide our kids with the information and nutrition they need so that can grow physically and mentally.”

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