Take a Taste

This September, the cafeteria will be celebrating the Great Apple Crunch - a regional promotion taking place across all the Great Lakes states! This collective crunch encourages healthy eating and supports farm to school and local food initiatives throughout the Midwest Region.

Students will have the opportunity to sample an array of local apple varieties and vote on their favorites! Students who bring lunch from home will also have the opportunity to sample and engage in educational activities.

Check out the activity sheet below to help guide your children in learning even more about apples at home! 

• Apple Activity Sheet
• Apple Coloring Pages

This October, the cafeteria will be celebrating Indiana Food Day. This year’s Indiana Food Day theme is focused on Pumpkins. Students will have the opportunity to sample our Pumpkin Energy Bites! Students who bring lunch from home will also have the opportunity to sample and engage in educational activities. Students will learn about the nutrients pumpkins can bring into their diet. These nutrients include fiber, vitamin A for regulating cell growth and immune support, the antioxidant beta-carotene, and potassium for balancing blood pressure and minerals. Don’t miss out on this GOURD time on October 29th!

Check out the activity sheet below to help guide your children in learning even more about pumpkins at home! 

• Pumpkin Activity Sheet
• Pumpkin Coloring Page

This November, the cafeteria will be roasting local Spaghetti Squash! All students will have the opportunity to sample the squash and engage in educational activities. Students will learn about the nutrients Spaghetti Squash can bring into their diet. These nutrients include fiber, vitamin A for regulating cell growth and immune support, the antioxidant beta-carotene, and potassium for balancing blood pressure and minerals.  Explore the endless PASTA-bilities to enjoy Spaghetti Squash in Elementary cafeterias on November 21st!

Check out the activity sheet below to help guide your children in learning even more about Spaghetti Squash at home! 

• Spaghetti Squash Activity Sheet

In honor of National Pear Month in December, the cafeteria will be sampling Cinnamon Cranberry Baked Pears! Try this PEAR-fect combination on Dec 19th! All students will have the opportunity to sample and engage in educational activities. Pears are among the most cultivated and most popular fruits in the world, and not just because they’re delicious. This humble little fruit supports a healthy heart and an active lifestyle.

• Pear Activity Sheet
• Pear Coloring Pages
• Pear Farm-to-School videos

February is National Heart Health Month! The cafeteria is spreading the love by serving samples of Blood Oranges on February 14th! These seasonal delights can help promote heart health because they are high in phytochemicals, fiber, magnesium, folate, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients work together to help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and stroke. 

Students may also participate in nutrition education activities during lunch to learn how to Eat Smart for a Healthy Heart.  Click below to view link to additional resources and activites! What fun physical activities can you do as a family, and what healthy recipes can you create with your kids at home to instill lifelong healthy habits? View the calendar resource below to help you and your family Eat Smart & Move More this month!

• Blood Orange Student Activity Sheet
• Healthy Habits Calendar
• Parent & Student Heart Health Resources

Noblesville Schools is celebrating National Nutrition Month throughout March, embracing the 2024 theme, "Food Connects Us." This year's focus highlights the powerful role food plays in bringing people together, from family dinners to cultural celebrations. Sharing a meal creates a sense of community, strengthens bonds, and fosters lasting memories. Noblesville Schools recognizes the vital connection between nutrition and student success, understanding that access to healthy school meals contributes to improved health and academic performance. With each meal served, we are committed to promoting nutritious food choices and educating students about the importance of a balanced diet for their overall well-being. 

We'd love to hear from our student community to learn about your food and taste preferences! This survey will help the cafeteria better connect with you and serve nutritious meals that you enjoy. By understanding your preferences, we can tailor school menus to better represent the needs of our school community.

*The survey is designed to be completed by students, but parents may feel free to assist their students if needed. Additionally, during the week of March 3-7th, students will have the opportunity to complete the survey at school.  If you have any concerns, please contact Christine Stinson at christine_stinson@nobl.k12.in.us.  

---

DID YOU KNOW...Eating school breakfast connects students to better health by providing essential nutrients that fuel their bodies and minds. This, in turn, fuels better academic performance by improving concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function, leading to increased learning potential and classroom success.

As part of National Nutrition Month, we will also be celebrating National School Breakfast Week in late March.  Noblesville Schools is committed to ensuring all students have access to a healthy breakfast, setting them up for success in the classroom and beyond.

To learn more about National Nutrition Month and the connection between food preferences, health, and school meals, please visit the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics website & the School Nutrition Association website.

 

 

Follow the links to our Nutrition Education page and Nutrition & Fitness page for resources on how Food Connects Us to a healthy lifestyle.