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Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics, the Obamas endorse Harris for President; A NY county creates facial recognition, privacy protections; Art breathes new life into pollution-ravaged MI community; 34 Years of the ADA.

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Harris meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu and calls for a ceasefire. MI Rep. Rashida Tlaib faces backlash for a protest during Netanyahu's speech. And VA Sen. Mark Warner advocates for student debt relief.

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There's a gap between how rural and urban folks feel about the economy, Colorado's 'Rural is Rad' aims to connect outdoor businesses, more than a dozen of Maine's infrastructure sites face repeated flooding, and chocolate chip cookies rock August.

IN students fed tasty lessons for healthy eating habits

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Thursday, March 21, 2024   

Schools play a critical role in nurturing Hoosier children's health and well-being which lay the foundation for lifelong eating habits.

Throughout Indiana, cafeteria workers are celebrating National Nutrition Month. They know the food children eat has a direct effect on their growing brains and bodies.

Betsy Ulrich is assistant food director at Pioneer Elementary School - a rural school district located in north Central Indiana.

Ulrich said she uses interactive activities such as reading the book "Dolphins Don't Eat Donuts," to teach them about nutritious choices.

"It's a great opportunity in a social environment for them to maybe try different things," said Ulrich. "One of the things I enjoy doing is going around the lunchroom and, 'Hey! Have you tried your broccoli? I've got a sticker here that you can say I tried it, and I liked it.' Kids will do about anything for a sticker."

Ulrich emphasized the importance of a healthy breakfast and offering affordable options for students arriving early. For some, it may be one of their few opportunities for healthy meals.

Feeding America says one in eight children in Indiana face hunger. Despite challenges posed by strict nutritional guidelines, schools help ensure students receive well-balanced meals daily.

Ulrich said she is encouraged when students ask for grab-and-go lunch options which include whole wheat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with baby carrots and fresh fruit.

"When they come in if they say I'm a grab and go, if I'm at the serving line, I'll pitch it to them," said Ulrich. "They know that - 'Up high.' If someone else is there - they miss that. They want to have that tossed to them. And I know it sounds simple but it's just finding a way to connect with these kids."

Ulrich encouraged parental involvement in lunch preparation, advocating for nutritious choices and setting boundaries to promote healthier eating habits overall.



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