Nutrition education for students

Curricula options vary depending on the age of the students and whether classes will take place during the school day or during an afterschool program.

Elementary school

• CATCH Kids Club is for after-school and summer youth programming. The lessons focus on a variety of nutrition topics and the importance of physical activity. Most lessons have outlines for youth in grades K-2 and 3-5 and include Family Tip Sheets that can be sent home.
• Healthy Kids Out of School is for after-school and summer youth programming. Lessons cover topics such as smart snacking, drinking more water, cutting back on sugary foods, and the importance of physical activity.
• Illinois Junior Chefs is a cooking school for youth ages 8-13. The program is an out-of-school curriculum. Primarily taught in the summer, Illinois Junior Chefs can also be taught in after-school programs.
• The OrganWise Guys curriculum brings the body to life via lovable organ characters, as kids in grades K-2nd grade learn what it really means to be smart from the inside out. The OrganWise Guys is taught during the school day.
• Serving Up MyPlate is an in-school curriculum for grades 1 through 6.  Youth are introduced to healthy eating from all food groups through the use of the MyPlate icon, physical activity, and hands-on activities. 

Middle or high school

• Eat Fit is a middle-school curriculum (grades 6th, 7th, and 8th). Students explore and practice the skills necessary for a physically active lifestyle and in making healthy food choices. The youth set goals that help them establish health habits appropriate for the needs of adolescents.
• Teen Cuisine is a multi-day cooking school for youth in middle and high school. The curriculum is used only for afterschool and summer programs.
• Around the Table is a program focused on hands-on cooking, meaningful conversations, and activities that foster strong connections to food, self and community. Around the Table is for teens aged 13-19. (EFNEP only)

Nutrition education for parents/caregivers

Our team members can help you determine the right curriculum for your location and audience.

• Healthy Cents is a curriculum for adults designed to teach how to save more money while making healthy food choices. Each lesson provides a connection to food budgeting along with the nutrition topic. One example is a lesson on starting a container garden for vegetables and herbs.
• MyPlate for My Family is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and designed for adults who are parents or caregivers to youth ages 2 to 18.
• Create Better Health is a curriculum designed to teach adults how to use foods on hand to make nourishing meals. Topics include food budgeting, nutrition, physical activity, and cooking demonstrations.

Nutrition education for the whole family

• Eat.Move.Save. Booths: Eat. Move. Save. booths are more than just your typical information table; they are engaging and fun! Topics range from increasing physical activity and how to limit added sugars. Handouts, recipes, and taste tests may also be available.

Staff professional development

SNAP-Ed team members can provide professional development opportunities to your early childhood education staff in a variety of topics. Illinois Extension is an Illinois State Professional Development provider. Contact us for more information.

Topics may include:

• Classroom brain boosters
• Healthy celebrations
• School gardens
• Healthy fundraisers
• Recess before lunch
• Out of school time
• and more!

For school nutrition team members at your school, Illinois Extension provides free training and resources through the ABCs of School Nutrition. ABCs of School Nutrition is provided in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education.

Illinois SNAP-Ed can assist your school with wellness and nutrition programming and policies using research-based tools designed for schools. 

Strategies may include:

• Assist with district wellness policy
• Support food access in school setting
• Identify best practices for including nutrition and physical activity
• Boost school meal participation
• Add healthy marketing strategies
• Connect with community resources
• Serve on school wellness committees
• Measure progress and impact of creating a healthier school
• Assist with food recovery plan in lunchroom, including share tables