Awell-rounded diet is vital for growing minds and bodies, and we take great care at Marshalltown Schools to provide our students with access to nutritious food to fuel learning.

Each school day, Bobcat students enjoy meals that provide key nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, and whole grain rich carbohydrates. Those meals include an energizing breakfast in the morning and a tasty mid-day lunch.

We are also proud to offer meals at no cost to children 18 years old and younger during the summer months – be on the lookout for more info from MCSD on this summer’s meal locations.

Meals and snacks at home are just as important as those provided at school. Here are some tips for offering nutritious meals and snacks at home as we celebrate National Nutrition Month this March:

Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that are in-season, make a delicious addition to any meal (or a great snack!).

Utilize frozen fruits and vegetables to save on meal preparation time. These items are also cost efficient.

Eating with friends and family is great for emotional health. Encourage everyone at the table to put down their devices and engage in conversation.

Get kids involved! Let your kids help plan the menu, select items from the grocery store and prepare meals at home. They’ll learn valuable skills, and are more likely to try something new, when they’ve taken responsibility for planning and preparation of the food items.

There are plenty of places to find even more helpful tips, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org/food/

The MCSD Food Service Department is proud to support students’ learning every day. Happy National Nutrition Month!

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Lynn Large is Foodservice Director for the Marshalltown Community School District