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Nutrition Services Mission: To promote child wellness by providing nutrition services that complements and educates the child, family and community.

We strive to meet these goals by identifying nutritional needs, promoting food safety, providing nutritional wellness, assisting families with monthly nutrition education and community resources, and offering family style meal service. 

Nutrition Specialists chart each child’s height and weight in September and April of each year and ensure that menus are age-appropriate.

In addition, Head Start parents are offered monthly trainings on healthy eating habits. Good nutrition is important for proper development. My Pyramid can help you determine what your nutritional needs are. 

Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years leading to a greater risk in children for cardiovascular disease, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and Type 2 diabetes.  In a recent “Children’s Activity and Movement in Preschool” study found that children were engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity during only 3.4% of the school day.

To encourage more physical activity and address the importance of eating properly in the classroom and child’s home, centers are participating in I Am Moving, I Am Learning, an Administration for Children and Families initiative to combat childhood obesity by increasing more physical activity and parent involvement.
 

If you would like to learn more about our Nutrition content area, please email Dietrich Nickleberry, Food and Nutrition Services Manager or call 972-283-6460.

> Helpful Resources

Are you at your healthy body weight? What does your current body weight say about your overall health? Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).

EatingWell's Back to School Guide is an online site that helps families prepare delicious kid-friendly recipes that help fuel their active minds and bodies all day long.

KidsHealth is an online tool that provides families with perspective, advice, and comfort about a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral issues that affect children and teens.

The Fruits & Veggies - More Matters health initiative that suggests simple ways to add more fruits and vegetables to every eating occasion. Tips, recipes, facts and more more can be found on this site.