The Yeshiva of Elizabeth is proud to announce a healthy eating initiative to promote the health and well-being of its students. The healthy eating initiative is spearheaded by Yeshiva parent Yael Bleicher, MS RD CSP, who is a pediatric clinical dietitian. Bleicher has worked closely with the YoE administration to create a program that will educate students, teachers and parents about healthy eating for the betterment of the entire student population. Her informative pre-school presentations to faculty and parents set the stage for this important new program.
The Torah commands, “Guard your souls carefully,” which the commentaries explain is a charge that people should take care of their bodies and health. The healthy eating initiative is intended to do just that.
Schools can play a critical role in encouraging a healthy lifestyle by establishing a safe and supportive environment that has policies and practices to reinforce healthy behaviors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when schools provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity, they are improving the lives of the children now and for the future.
Research has proven that minimizing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g., sodas, juices) and candy can reduce excessive weight gain and dental cavities, and can significantly lower the risk of conditions and diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Implementing healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, also improve children’s ability to focus and concentrate.
The healthy eating initiative is beginning in the Early Childhood classes, and will subsequently make its way into the elementary grades. Parents will be provided with a list of approved snacks for birthdays and Shabbos parties. These snack lists were created to encourage healthy eating habits, and the foods were particularly chosen to provide a balance between healthy and child-friendly snacks. In addition, parents were offered a healthy-eating-tips handout for the entire family, for use at home and for the lunches and snacks that are sent to school.
