School Projects on Healthy Food

In a 2009 study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found a 26.7 percent rate of self-reported obesity among Americans. This is significantly higher than the CDC's "Healthy People" target of 15 percent. Understanding how to eat healthy is key for disease prevention and needs to be taught from a young age. School projects on healthy food play a significant role in proper nutrition education.

Make a Healthy Eating Pyramid

Pasta and other whole grains are in the healthy section of the pyramid.

The Harvard School of Public Health has developed a new "Healthy Eating Pyramid," which is "unaffected by businesses and organizations with a stake in its messages" and based on the school's latest scientific findings. For a coming school project, cut out a large, blank cardboard pyramid and allow students to fill in each level with what they think of as healthy food. Afterward, give Harvard's pyramid as a handout so students can compare it with their own. Discuss why certain foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains are healthier than red meat and sugary drinks.

Grow a Schoolyard Garden

You can easily grow these in your schoolyard or in containers.

Fresh foods can be scarce, especially in urban areas. A fresh fruit and veggie garden can be cultivated in a schoolyard or, if you're surrounded by cement, containers. Tomatoes grow wonderfully in containers, as do strawberry plants and a variety of herbs. The biggest advantage of this is that a school garden lends itself to a variety of other educational projects in the subjects of ecology, biology and even art.

Plan an "A La Carte" Healthy Breakfast

A healthy group breakfast not only promotes better eating habits, but is also enjoyable.

The Healthy Kids Challenge suggests planning a healthy "a la carte" breakfast menu with students. Using the Healthy Food Pyramid, students can suggest their favorite breakfast foods. Together, you then compile a breakfast menu which includes at least three of the different food groups. For example, pair a cup of yogurt with some fresh fruit and nuts. Set aside a certain day so you and the students can enjoy the breakfast together.

Teach Children How to Cook

Healthy cooking is both easy and delicious -- even for children.

Teaching children how to cook can help form healthy eating habits even outside of school. Easy recipes are available in abundance on websites such as KidsHealth.org. You can make pasta dishes or salads at school for beginners, or step it up by teaching students how to make homemade bread.