Fall 2002 - Volume 1

• Welcome to the NuNews™ publication
• Nutrition news you can use, in an easily shareable format
• Getting the message across: make facts meaningful for parents
• Getting kids in on the act, too
• The Smart Nutrition Partner: Schwan's presents SmartPizza™ brand products by Tony's®
• Downloadable Parents' Newsletter

Be sensitive and nonjudgmental when providing parents with facts and guidelines. That way you come across as an interested resource rather than a critical party, so there's less chance of making parents defensive. A positive, proactive approach to communicating messages to parents (and in your schools) will enhance the success of your programs.

It's important to get parents excited about your school's initiatives. Family participation is key, because proper nutrition at school is enhanced by proper diet at home. It's especially helpful to give actual meal suggestions, nutritional guidelines, and healthful tips. All this content will be provided in the parents' version of the NuNews™ publication.

It takes more than statistics to get people to change behaviors. The news has to be compelling. Couch facts as suggestions about proper eating and exercise at home, and convey information about your schools' efforts to improve nutritional behaviors. Try to establish a recommended action plan so parents can assess their kids' health, set goals and measure progress, and feel encouraged that they're taking the proper steps. Above all, avoid making parents feel defensive. For more information, here are some other resources to check: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/, www.bam.gov, and www.fns.usda.gov/tn/default.htm.

Sources: Click Here