STANDARD 5 "FOOD IMPACTS HEALTH."

“Food Impacts Health” is Standard #5. This standard is about understanding the relationship between food, nutrition, and health. For more about FES 5, click here! 

This Standard Means

• Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.
• Food is integral to the support of our physical and mental health. 
• The relationship between nutrition and how our bodies function in the short and long term is complex.
• We can be curious about different foods and their impact on overall health.
• Different foods contain different nutrients that affect our bodies in different ways.
• It’s important to know what it means for a food to be nutrient-dense, and be able to identify which foods are nutrient-dense. 
• Varying life circumstances and needs will impact what nutrients are needed to be healthy. 
• Students who demonstrate understanding can communicate the relationship between nutrition and health.

FES 5 In Action 

“One important food for me is quinoa. Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain that is rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. Quinoa is also gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.”

-Middle School Classroom to Cafeteria Student, 2023-24

How to Bring FES 5 to Your Students 

Try these examples of real-world community experiences with your students aged K-12 to help them understand the importance of FES 5 in their daily lives! 

1. Arrange a visit from the school nurse or local health/medical professionals to discuss food related allergies and illnesses.
2. Invite a nutritionist or dietician (in person or virtually) to speak to students about the food groups, the value of different types of food, and/or portion and serving sizes.
3. Invite a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant or other medical professional (in person or virtually) to share information about food and health specific to the developmental stage of students.
4. Arrange a visit (virtually or in person) with a local professional athlete to share ways they stay healthy, develop and achieve goals related to their sport.
5. Encourage a field trip (in person or virtually) to an advertising agency to learn about how food ads are developed, and their time placements on television and social media. 
6. Travel to a food laboratory to learn how calories and nutrients are measured.
7. Have students research or test out another food lifestyle choice for a week (i.e. recipe, diet, routine, food choices) and keep track of their daily choices and routine
8. Meet with representatives of the food service company that provides school lunch and interview them about why they set the menus as they do.
9. Explore and engage with resources on the USDA MyPlate website.
10.  Research and present findings around nutrition recommendations for student athletes, and how food supports athletic performance.
11.  Arrange a visit with the school counselor, social worker or other community SEL (social emotional learning) professional to explore the connection between food, feelings, and mental health.