Healthy eating—at school and at home

   Eating a healthy diet helps children stay alert during class, fight off illnesses, and grow up healthy and strong.  Sumter School District and Manchester Elementary encourage healthy food choices. We just observed National School Breakfast week. Enjoying a good breakfast here at school is easy, fun, good for you and free!  Students are encouraged to get ready for a great day of learning with a delicious breakfast in our cafeteria. 

   When selecting food at home here are a few tips: learn to read nutrition labels, check serving size and nutrients. Enjoy food without over eating. Drink more water and less sugary soft drinks and juices. During the day eat from each food group. Make selections that are low in sugar, fat and salt.  Balance good eating habits with daily physical activities and get enough sleep.  Remember to focus on fruits and vegetables—they should fill about half of your plate. 

    Our students have been given the opportunity to try some new fruits and vegetables here at school through a grant that provides them a fruit or vegetable snack. Discuss with them what their fruit or vegetable was and give it a try at home.  

    As the PASS testing gets closer, be sure to encourage better eating habits, good sleep habits and try some new fruits and vegetables!