We are dedicated to our policy of promoting early healthy eating habits, best seen in our “morning snack” policy and our annual/semiannual “Five A Day Challenge.” Why are we so insistent on this?

• We know that healthy habits are rooted in our early years.

• We know that the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables provide the following benefits:
  • Promote good health and protect against disease, both now and in the future.
  • Ensure the child’s healthy growth and development.
  • Strengthen a child’s immune system and help fight illnesses. There is strong evidence to show that the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables can prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases.
  • The high-fiber content can aid in the proper function of the digestive system and prevent constipation.

All of these things are really important and NOW is the time to work toward establishing these healthy habits! To help children and families work on this commitment, we will soon be launching our “Five A Day Challenge.” We are challenging all family members to eat 5 Fruits and Vegetables a Day! Please expect more communication from your child’s classroom teachers about celebrating fruits and veggies in lunchboxes!

“Scientists analyzed data from more than 2 million people in the United States and dozens of other countries and found that eating about five servings of fruits and vegetables a day was associated with the lowest risk of early death, and that the optimal balance was two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables a day.

Compared to people who had two servings of fruits and vegetables a day, those who had five servings a day had a: 13% lower risk of death from all causes; a 12% lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke; a 10% lower risk of death from cancer, and a 35% lower risk of death from respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20210301/get-your-5-a-day-fruits-veggies-to-live-longer#1