March is National Nutrition Month 

March is National Nutrition Month, an annual observance that encourages Americans to adopt a healthy eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods. What started as a week-long event in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics became a month-long celebration in 1980, thanks to growing public interest in nutrition. This year’s theme, “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” encourages food traditions and the appreciation of eating flavorful foods with friends and family! 

Share what you are doing for National Nutrition Month and tag us in your posts on Instagram and Twitter! #winningatwellness

Action for Healthy Kids School Grants Available 

Schools need resources to implement health and wellness practices that help students eat better and be physically active. Thanks to our partners, Action for Healthy Kids has provided over $8.7 million in grants to schools since 2009.  

• School breakfast grants provide funding and support to pilot or expand alternative school breakfast programs
• Game on Grants provide funding and support to increase physical activity and nutrition initiatives
• Parent-led grants provide funding and support to increase physical activity and nutrition initiatives and engage parents in school wellness
• Deadline to apply is April 5, 2019

The Link Between School Attendance and Good Health 

The Link Between School Attendance and Good Health, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) statement on school attendance, published in the February 2019 issue of Pediatrics, recommends that health care providers promote good school attendance in their offices as well as in the community, and the state and federal policy levels.

Chronic absenteeism -- defined as missing 10 percent of the school year for any reason -- results in students who are likely to lag behind academically and more likely to drop out. This puts them at risk for unhealthy behaviors by the time they reach their teens, and poor health as adults, the AAP says. 

CDC Releases Virtual Healthy School Tool

This online, interactive school provides innovative learning experiences to help make schools healthier. While the Virtual Healthy School’s major themes are nutrition, physical education and physical activity, and the management of chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes) in schools—the tool also includes examples of how to incorporate all 10 components of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model.

U.S. Soccer Foundation Grants Available 

The U.S. Soccer Foundation awards grants on both an annual basis (Program grants) and through a rolling process (Safe Places to Play grants) to support soccer programs and field-building initiatives nationwide. Grants are provided to support all aspects of the beautiful game — from assisting programs with operational costs to creating Safe Places to Play. 

Reaching Her Potential Grant Deadline is April 2nd.

2019 California School-Based Health Conference 

The California School-Based Health Alliance and the L.A. Trust for Children’s Health are hosting the 2019 California School-Based Health Conference: Advancing Wellness & Best Practices for the Future, in Redondo Beach on May 9-10, 2019.

Learn, grow, and connect with fellow providers, educators, advocates, and other leaders in the school-based health care movement across the state. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just starting out in school-based health, we have workshops for all levels of experience and engagement.

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