Programs
Ideas for Celebrating Healthy Lifestyles Month
The following are some ways that local PTAs are encouraging families to make healthier choices and supporting access to healthy options at school:
1. Promoting Healthy Behaviors
Issue a PTA Healthy Lifestyles challenge each school day through the morning announcements (e.g., "Challenge #1: Drink only water or low-fat milk today!")
Promote the challenge through the school's social media sites.
Put a yard sign with the daily challenge in front of student drop-off locations so that families can embrace the challenge together.
Request brochures from community health organizations to distribute during PTA meetings or other school events.
Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov and LetsMove.gov for free, family-focused educational tools to promote good nutrition and physical activity.
2. Encouraging Healthy Families
Host a fun event for the whole family that celebrates healthy and delicious foods, encourages families to get up and get moving and provides opportunities to learn from health experts in the community. Examples:
- Healthy Lifestyles Expo (i.e., health fair with activities and games for children)
- Turkey Trot or Trike (i.e., walk or bike event around school)
- Healthy Foods From Around the World
Invite a community health expert to PTA meetings to answer questions about health behaviors, such as "How can I get my picky child to eat healthier food?"
3. Supporting Healthy Schools
Talk with school administrators and staff about the school's wellness policy and determine specific ways PTA can support its implementation.
Plant a community vegetable garden or host a farmer's market.
Work with a nutritionist to assess the nutrition options at the school and advocate for healthier choices, including:
- Low- or no-sugar drink options
- Flavorful and fresh fruits and vegetables
- Low-sugar, low-sodium snack options
- Portions appropriate for students' ages
Recruit parent or community volunteers to support active play during the day, such as recess, before school and after-school playground or gym time.
Serve only healthy foods at PTA events.
