The Milton Public School District promotes and protects students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting wellness, good nutrition, and regular physical activity as part of the learning environment. The district’s política de bem-estar states that the schools avoid promotion of unhealthy activities and support positive dietary and lifestyle practices. The Milton School Nutrition Department supports the initiatives of the district’s wellness policy by providing students with healthy breakfast and lunch options daily.  

During the months of March and April 2022, Milton Public Schools invited Framingham State University student dietitian, Mackenzie Stanley, to teach 3^rd grade students about Meu prato. In Mackenzie’s lesson titled “MyPlate for My Health,” the students reviewed the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. The 3^rd graders were educated on why they should eat the five food groups and what health benefits these food groups provide for their growing bodies. Students were all given a blank MyPlate template during the presentation and each student was able to create their own plate by drawing pictures and writing down the name of the foods they liked. At the end, each student had their own unique plate with the 5 food groups included to take home with them to remind them how to create a balanced and healthy meal. 

To explore more nutrition-focused lesson plans for schools, please visit the SWITCH resource center. 

Submitted by: Mackenzie Stanley, FSU Food and Nutrition Graduate Student in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics