Kids may be getting brown rice and chopped spinach at their school cafeterias soon, and liking it too! First Lady Michelle Obama and the USDA launched the Recipes for Healthy Kids Competition last September, encouraging teams of nutritionists, chefs and students to develop nutritious and kid-approved recipes for school lunch menus. To check out the rice and spinach recipe, as well as fourteen others in the semi-finals, click here.

The federal government has released new dietary guidelines to help Americans make healthier food choices. The guidelines, which are updated every five years, consist of evidence-based nutritional recommendations to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity. The new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans focus on balancing calories with physical activity and encourage Americans to consume more healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc. and to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, sugars and refined grains. For a comprehensive resource of the government’s nutrition guidelines, including food pyramids and more visit www.dietaryguidelines.gov.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of $25 million in grants to help schools operating a National School Lunch Program replace outdated equipment with new, energy efficient appliances including refrigerators, ovens, and other food service related equipment to help improve the quality of meals. Close to $500,000 of funding is available to Louisiana schools. Click here for more information.  Photo from: iparenting

America’s children are facing a health crisis. Few meet recommended dietary guidelines and many eat poorly and don’t exercise at all. In the last 20 years, the percentage of overweight children has tripled, resulting in earlier onset and increased prevalence of disease. In response, the USDA has established nutrition standards for its school meals programs and is now working to help increase physical activity and nutrition education in schools. Find out how your child’s school can get involved in the USDA’s Team Nutrition project. Graphic logo from: USDA Food and Nutrition Service

It’s important to understand where your food comes from. Food consumed in the U.S. now travels an average of 1,500 miles before ending up on our plates. Individual health and local economies are better supported when we buy from local growers and producers whenever possible. Find out what the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is doing to promote the local food movement and click here to locate a farmer’s market in your part of Louisiana or elsewhere. Photo: Original work by Grant Wood, 1930.