Local districts to help students to learn to make good food choices at an early age.

Unlearning bad eating habits can be difficult.
So, as California schools begin the task of implementing new nutrition and wellness policies, local districts are looking at ways to help students learn to make good food choices at an early age.
To help with this, the San Benito County Office of Education and the Monterey County Office of Education are jointly participating in HELP (Healthy Eating Living Standards), a program designed to promote nutrition and physical fitness in the tri-county area.
“It’s a pretty exciting program,” said Kim Dryden, Special Projects Coordinator for the San Benito County Office of Education. “It’s a way to bring nutrition and healthy habits right into the classroom.”
HELP is comprised of professionals and educators in three counties – San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz – who can help communities live a healthy lifestyle, Dryden said.
“The goal is to help schools with the wellness policies that have to be implemented by June 30,” she said. “These policies will address what foods are available to students on campus during school hours.”
The trick, according to people involved with HELP, is to help children appreciate healthy foods before the new changes take effect.
“It’s so hard to change your eating habits as you get older,” Dryden said. “By starting at a young age, we can teach them proper nutrition and proper wellness, and give them habits that last.”
One way HELP is attempting to change the way students think about eating is by showing them what it takes to get food on their plates. Agriculture in the Classroom is a project that allows students to see first-hand how many fruits and vegetables are grown. And California State University at Monterey Bay is now offering to help with garden projects, providing everything a classroom would need from beginning to end. Monterey County is already taking advantage of the garden project, and Dryden said CSUMB officials are more than ready to help
San Benito
schools get
started.
“When you can see your food growing, then it becomes more than just the nutritional value,” she said. “Students can learn and take pride in what they’ve done.”
The MCOE is also setting up contacts between growers and districts, so that schools may be able to take advantage of fresh, local produce. Southside School is already participating in a similar program locally, Dryden said.
Additionally, HELP provides services and information to community organizations as well, such as a diabetes educational collaborative with local hospitals, health officials and health departments.
HELP is also talking with city and county officials about the importance of providing parks and accessible walking trails to promote fitness.
“We are trying to raise community awareness as a whole,” Dryden said.

H. E. L P.
Healthy Eating Living Standards

A program designed to promote nutrition and physical fitness in the tri-county area. San Benito County Office of Education and the Monterey County Office of Education are jointly participating in the program.