Nutrition for Kids program

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health — especially for young, growing bodies. Montage Health offers a free, bilingual nutrition and physical activity program that provides kid-friendly, science-based education to children and families throughout Monterey County.

For fourth and fifth-graders

In five weekly sessions, students in grades four and five learn simple lessons on the importance of:

  • Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Reading and understanding nutrition labels
  • Staying active

Each session includes a fun physical activity or hands-on food preparation of healthy dishes, such as broccoli salad and yogurt parfaits. Students receive a folder with resources to share with their families.

For students in other grades

During a one-time, hour-long workshop, students who aren’t in fourth or fifth grade:

  • Prepare and enjoy a healthy recipe
  • Discuss the importance of physical activity
  • Learn about nutrition basics with a focus on the MyPlate method

For families

Request a free, hour-long, whole-family workshop, available in English or Spanish. Loved ones will prepare and enjoy a meal together while covering nutrition basics and ways to improve family fitness.

Resources

Download printable resources:

Program funding

Monterey Peninsula Foundation provided a significant grant to this program, enabling Montage Health to offer nutrition education and resources to fourth-grade classes throughout Monterey County. Additional funding has come from:

  • Montage Health employees through their annual giving campaign, We Care We Share
  • Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation
  • Wells Fargo Bank

Testimonials

Read reviews from Monterey County teachers and families.

What teachers say

  • I have been so impressed with the staff! They are professional, energetic, motivational, and enthusiastic educators. They have encouraged even the most reluctant students to try new foods, and have inspired daily movement through play. From discussions surrounding mindful eating to gratitude for the food we eat, the program encourages lifelong healthy habits and is a valuable addition to our fifth-grade programming.
    Teacher, Forest Grove Elementary

  • The kids now want to grow their own garden so they can pick their own healthy snacks. Many parents have commented that when they’re grocery shopping, the kids are looking at the nutrition labels and pointing out that it’s not a healthy choice
    Teacher, Jack Franscioni Elementary
  • The activities were very interactive. They got to practice some of the things they learned about. I also enjoyed that they were taught good eating options and that we also did activities outdoors
    Teacher, San Vicente Elementary
  • I loved how simple yet engaging the instructor was. Students clearly learned valuable life skills and recognized themselves; how thankful they were. I was surprised to see how well they retained the information
    Teacher, Kammann Elementary
  • My students love it. It’s hands-on and they learned new material about health. They’ve told me they’ve tried the recipes at home! Hope to have you back next school year
    Teacher, Rose Ferrero Elementary
  • I really liked that the kids were encouraged to try new foods. They also learned a lot about nutrition and exercise. So did I!
    Teacher, Forest Grove Elementary

What families say

  • Staff was friendly and engaged and recipe was delicious
    Parent, Nutrition for Kids workshop
  • It was kid friendly. Even my 3-year-old participated
    Parent, Nutrition for Kids workshop
  • I enjoyed having the families get together to prepare a meal. Meal was easy and healthy
    Parent, Nutrition for Kids workshop
  • Great activity for our family to do together that was about health and fun
    Parent, Nutrition for Kids workshop
  • I liked the participation involved in the seminar. I liked getting up and moving with the class
    Parent, Nutrition for Kids workshop