Washington Township Schools Food and Nutrition Service
“We Serve Food for Thought”

Food Service Project

Informational Links

1/8/07

Here are a few nutrition related websites that we have found useful for both parents and students. Please read the summaries of each site.  If something interests you feel free to just click the link, they’re free! 

1. Meals Matter

This website is titled Meals Matter and provides healthy tips, ideas, and recipes to help make simplify meal planning.  Users can use an online meal planner that will map out meal options throughout the week.  A shopping list will also be available which is customized to your individual meal plan.  The website also provides a list of pantry items to keep you well stocked and prepared for everyday cooking. Meals Matter also provides answers to obstacles associated with healthy eating that many families may have had trouble tackling everyday.  Some of these topics include:  picky eaters, portion sizes, food allergies, and general nutrition. The site also provides 3 interactive games for younger children to play and learn about nutrition.

2. Fast Food Restaurants are Graded

We do understand that sitting down to dinner every night may not be an option.  As children today are getting more involved in after school activities, fast food or take out may be the most appealing option.  Here is an article in Men’s Health that has graded the top fast food restaurants available today.  It may be a good idea to read this over and stick with the restaurants that are in the A-B range. A higher grade is the result of healthier alternatives and options (apple slices, salads) to replaced older selections (fries, onion rings). It is important to note that while choosing healthier options while dining on fast food is better, home prepared meals are ideal.  Fast food or takeout should be limited to about once every two or more weeks.

      3.   Family Education

This website provides a list of articles that may be of interest to parents of teens or teens themselves. Topics include eating disorders, teen’s nutritional needs, caffeine, and family meals.  There is also an abundance of healthy recipes available.  Information on children ranges from infancy through 18 years of age.  Moms are also provided with information on women’s health. Overall, this is a great website for nutrition and wellness.

      4.   American Restaurant Association Dining Out Tip Sheet

This is a tip sheet from the National Restaurant Association on healthy eating while dining out, written by their Registered Dietitian (R.D.).  The site also provides a link to the healthy dining finder.  (Healthy Dining Finder) This site allows you to search for healthy dining options at your local restaurants (from fast food to fine dining).  A nutrient analysis is provided for each meal.