April 2023                         Volume 19 Issue 4

A Word about Breakfast

As schools enter the "testing" season, we are all told that breakfast is essential on "testing" days.  Let's remember Breakfast is essential every day as it may positively affect learning in children in terms of behavior, cognitive, and school performance. We all want our kids to excel in school every day. The meaning of breakfast is to break the fast. Imagine trying to drive you car to work without gas?  That is what you are asking your kids to do, run their brains without a new source of energy.   

Breakfast consumption is also associated with positive outcomes for diet quality, micronutrient intake, weight status and lifestyle factors. It's a meal to supply your kids with protein to build strong bones and muscles, calcium from dairy products for strong bones and teeth, vitamin C for growth, development and repair of all body tissues and the absorption of iron, to mention a few benefits.   

Remember breakfast is great for every member of the family every day.  

Oliver Foundation Healthy Choices Grant

Next Deadline April 15, 2023

Apply Now

Congratulations to our 2023-2024 Teen Advisory Board Officers

President: Sophia Chon

Vice President: Sid Satish

Secretary: Rebecca Somavarapu

Treasurer: Shepherd Hirtz

Co-Event Coordinators: Jenna Chuan, Reagan Miller

Co-Community and Social Media Coordinators: Andrew Wright and Mani Maram

Welcome to our new Teen Advisory Board Members 2023-2024

Jack Brown

Natalie Do

Ayla Patel

Benjamin Farahbod

TDA Health Ambassadors for a ReadyTexas (HART)

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Health Ambassadors for a ReadyTexas (HART) program empowers exceptional high school students who are passionate about food, nutrition, health, and agriculture to promote healthy school meals among their peers during annual school events like National School Lunch Week (NSLW) and School Breakfast Week (SBW)!

• Student applications for our 2023-24 HART class are currently open until May 5. Students can find all program information and apply Squaremeals.org/HART 

Upcoming Webinars

What Changes will this Legislative Session have for School Health?

April 13 at 11:30am

We will be deep into the 88^th legislative session when we host this learning session. Find out what bills have been filed, which ones are good, which ones could have negative consequences and what you can do to support effective policy change and make sure child health is supported. Join us for this important session – for the health of Register Here

Importance of Outdoor Play 

May 10 at 11:30am

Children learn so much through play when they are young - Social skills, self -are, sharing, teamwork! And playing outdoor is even more important for their health. Exposure to light and fresh air, increased physical activity, and just learning about nature and exploring their environment. Join is for a learning session on the importance of outdoor play and ways to encourage more of Register Here

Michael and Susan Dell Center Lectureship in Child Health:

What's for Lunch? The Past, Present, and Future of School Nutrition

April 27, 2023 - 12:00 pm central

Each day, 30 million children participate in the National School Lunch Program, which was established in 1946 to ensure adequate nutrition for American school children. Over the past 10 years, the nutritional quality of school meals has improved substantially - despite political and commercial obstacles. This webinar will address recent and current debates surrounding school food and highlight the importance of public health nutrition research to guide policymakers.

Register Here

TX SHAC Network!

Session has begun and we never know exactly what our legislators will come up with to regulate work in schools! Many bills have already been filed around topics that could impact school health. Now is the time to join the TX SHAC Network so you can be informed on any legislation that might impact school health issues.

Join the SHAC Network

Sophia Burnette, Teen Board Member

St. John's School - Houston, Texas 

Teen Board Member 2022 - Present

Sophia is a freshman at St John's School. She participates in volleyball, 3D art, and multiple school clubs. She is the president of her NCL (National Charity League) Class of 2026. Her favorite hobbies are making new art pieces and spending time with her friends.

How to Be Safe and Respectful During Ramadan

 Happy Ramadan! 

Ramadan is the Muslim fasting period that is from March 22nd to April 20th this year. However, depending on the year and cycle of the moon, the dates may vary. Do you have any questions about Ramadan? So did I, so I did a bit of research to share with everyone during the holiday. 

Why do Muslims fast? 

In Islamic tradition, the month that Ramadan takes place is the month where God told Muhammad the first parts of the Quran. Ramadan is a part of Muslim tradition and is now one of the five pillars of Islam. 

How do participants fast safely?

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. For daily energy Muslim families often eat before sunrise and have a glass of water moments before fasting. Recommended foods include lean protein, green vegetables, dates, soup, and low-fat foods. These foods are best for balancing your blood sugar and retaining nutrients. Another tip is to refrain from excessive exercise during the middle of the day as this will make participants hungrier and thirstier throughout the day. 

Is fasting in general safe?

Fasting for religious purposes is usually acceptable. ( Not recommended for diabetics and other medical conditions, check with your doctor). However, some people fast daily as a weight loss method. This has been proven unhealthy by medical experts. When people fast for the wrong reason, which is to lose weight, they slow down their metabolism and they can often develop an eating disorder. Yes, fasting does lead to weight loss, but it is temporary, and the weight comes back quicker once the person breaks the fast. 

Sophia Burnette

April 2023

Teen Board Recipe

Natalie Lopez

Co-Event Coordinator

Avocado Kale Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

      1 avocado, divided

      1/2 cup water

   1/4 cup mayonnaise 

     2 small cloves garlic

      2 tablespoons lemon juice

     1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

    1/2 teaspoon salt    

1 bunch kale, stems removed, chopped (5–6 cups)

  Parmesan and/or pepitas for topping

Directions:

1. Cut the avocado in half. Reserve one half for the salad. Blend the other half with the water, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, and salt. Taste and adjust!
2. Toss the chopped kale with the dressing. Throw in a handful of pepitas and Parmesan and toss it all around. Finish the salad with the remaining half of the avocado, cut into cubes. YUM!