Grow Fit^®

Building Healthy Habits for a Healthy Future

Our comprehensive Grow Fit program helps pave the way for a lifetime of healthy habits by encouraging balanced nutrition and physical activity in early childhood. Through Grow Fit, children are on their way to reaching their full potential and avoiding chronic diseases later in life.

We have joined the Partnership for a Healthier America, and are combining forces with leaders in other industries to achieve the Let's Move! Child Care standards.

Our program includes the following goals:

• Physical activity: 1-2 hours every day, including outside play when possible.
• Limited screen time: At school, no more than 30 minutes weekly. At home, a maximum of 1-2 hours/day of quality screen time. None for kids ages two or younger.
• Food: Fruits or vegetables during at least two eating occasions per day. Meals served family style. No fried foods.
• Beverages: Water, whenever. No sugar-sweetened drinks. For ages two+: low- or nonfat milk.
• Infant feeding: We support parents’ decisions. Breastfeeding moms can provide milk and are welcome to breastfeed during school time.

In the U.S., health risks tied to poor food choices and physical inactivity have increased significantly. Studies show that one in five children is overweight or obese by age six.

We provide a variety of healthy choices during meals and snacks and encourage children to try new foods. You’re welcome to sample them. Just ask your school director.

Veggies Early and Often

We’re on a mission to help raise the next generation of veggie lovers. Did you know only 10% of children in the U.S. consume the daily recommended amount of vegetables? That’s why our school has partnered with the Veggies Early and Often campaign led by PHA. Here’s what we’re doing:

• We’ve added more vegetables to our menus.
• We now offer two vegetables at lunchtime, each Friday.
• We provide vegetable options for infants at breakfast and snack.
• We encourage children to try new flavors, more than once!

In total, 26 different vegetable varieties appear on our children’s menu!

Staying Healthy at Home

So, what can you do to keep moving toward a healthier future outside of school?

Plenty.

Here are a few ways to get started today. Get your children excited about healthy living choices and stay healthy at home, as a family.

• Have some fun with our grocery store scavenger hunt and restaurant activity sheet.
• Plan your vegetable garden, with these 5 easy planting ideas.
• Try new meals with these delicious, good-for-you recipes.