OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. — Students are learning something new every day in the Ohio Valley, and with the help of WVU Medicine, healthy nutrition is among the lessons.

An educational series called ‘Nutrition Goes to School’ has been implemented across 16 schools in the area.

“We are trying to get third- and fourth-grade children involved in the exciting part about nutrition and physical activity,” said Jill Spangler, director of clinical nutrition WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital.

The program started in Ohio County Schools in 2019 and has since expanded to Marshall and Belmont counties.

It teaches students about what’s on their plate, food labels, watching their portion sizes, drinking more water and so on.

“Childhood obesity, particularly in West Virginia, is rampant, and third and fourth grade start to make decisions more on their own,” Spangler said. “So, we’re thinking if we can get those children to make those decisions, make the healthier ones. Getting home after school and choosing a fruit or vegetable opposed to potato chips, then we can make a difference.”

Spangler says children should find foods with different colors, textures, and tastes, and to follow the MyPlate Chart, making sure they get proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates.

The objective is for students to eat less and move more.

The program also has a budding partnership with the state’s program,’ Family and Nutrition,’ to help reach a wider scope of children and promote a full circle of health.

“The goal is for people to never need to see me in the outpatient setting, to manage a chronic illness or a chronic disease,” said Rosana Smith, clinical dietitian, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital. “To have that lifestyle, the full wellness, that balance of sleep physical activity, watching their screen time a little bit more.”

Moderation is a big emphasis in both programs, and officials are hoping children will take this knowledge with them for years to come.

For more information on Nutrition Goes to School, click here.

https://www.seameo-recfon.org/for-teacher/nutrition-goes-to-school/