Communities & Schools

Since children are so strongly influenced by their environments, we need to take the initiative and turn a negative into a positive. Here is the chance to start kids off right so they grow up with healthy eating, something that will stick with them as they grow older.

Healthy Schools

Kids pick up habits at school just as much as they pick up habits at home. Kids can only eat what is available to them. Lack of access to proper nutrition is one reason why many children are not eating the recommended levels of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which contributes to poor diet and can lead to higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Many children consume at least half of their daily calories at school, and for many children, food served at school may be the only food they regularly eat. Good nutrition at school is more important than ever.

Farm to School

The Farm to School program is the initiative to connect local farms to schools in Idaho. This will provide a lot more fresh, healthy food options for kids, as well as a relevant market for local farmers. So far, over 60 school districts in the state are participating in this initiative to bring healthier food to their cafeterias. To check to see if your school district is participating in this program, please visit the Farm to School website.

Healthy Communities

Idaho's Healthy Communities Program is utilizing the CDC's Community Health Assessment and Group Evaluation (CHANGE) Tool guide to work with and assess the places and organizations that touch people’s lives every day, such as schools, work sites, health care sites, and other community settings. Community members will be working together to create momentum that assists people in making healthy choices where they live, learn, work, and play through sustainable changes that address risk factors.

Seven health districts in Idaho are currently involved in the CHANGE Tool process, and the program is continuing to recruit more and more districts to get involved. To see if your district is one of the seven, please visit the CHANGE Tool Guide website. If you don't see your district listed, make that first step! Help get your community on track to a healthier future for yourself and your kids.