Food Smarts for Kids

This flexible, evidence-based, learner-centered curriculum through Leah's Pantry is designed for leading nutrition education group workshops with kids. The interactive activities support children’s food and nutrition literacy, nutrition security, and their adoption of healthy dietary and lifestyle habits.

Audiences

 Youth (Ages 5-17)

Curriculum Materials

Instructor guide, Activity supplies, Participant workbook, lesson slides (optional for virtual delivery)

Flexible Lesson Plans

5 week or 6 week options, 60- or 90-minute options, all lessons may be taught as a series or single-session, lessons offer a choice of nutrition activities and recipes

Activity Highlights

 Applying nutrition concepts to daily life, hands-on and sensory activities, cooking demonstrations or hands-on cooking

Settings

 In-person, virtual, and community spaces

Food Smarts for Kids Logo

Leah's Pantry Logo

About Leah's Pantry

Our mission is to build and implement community nutrition and food security programs that align with trauma-informed, resilience-focused principles.

Participant Goals

Youth will:

  • Set goals for a healthier lifestyle
  • Learn the fundamentals of a healthy diet
  • Build awareness of how food is processed and marketed
  • Learn how to select nutritious and affordable products and ingredients
  • Explore lifestyle practices for good health

Lesson

Topic

Week 1

Setting the Stage for Healthy Habits
  • Personal influences on food, cooking and health
  • Setting goals for a healthier life

Week 2

Building a Wholesome Diet
  • MyPlate
  • Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables

Week 3

Learning About Whole Foods
  • Food processing
  • Whole foods

Week 4

Understanding Labels and Ingredients
  • Reading food labels and packaging
  • Sugar
  • Drinking water

Week 5

Smart Shopping and Planning
  • Food marketing
  • Shopping for and planning healthy meals

Week 6

A Strong Body for Life
  • Movement and being active
  • Sleep

 

Montana Health Enhancement Standards

  • H.E. #1: Understand key health concepts

  • H.E. #2: Analyze influences on health behaviors

  • H.E. #5: Use critical thinking for health decisions

  • H.E. #7: Practice health-enhancing behaviors

  • P.E. #2: Demonstrated movement competency

Facilitators are Trained to:

  • Appropriately modify activities for their audience
  • Use trauma-informed facilitation strategies
  • Lead recipe demonstrations and group cooking activities that do not require a full kitchen

NOTE: Virtual facilitator training is required

Download the Food Smarts for Kids Brochure