Alaska's views on nutrition

Abstract: A series of articles originally published in the Alaska Education News, is presented on nutrition education plans and programs that are currently operating as part of the federally-funded Nutrition Education and Training (NET) Program. The history, objectives, and operation of NET in Alaska are reviewed and numerous nutrition and health education projects sponsored by the program are described. Basic nutritient requirements are outlined, along with suggestions for locally available food sources. Additional article topics include 1) how to pack tasty and nutritious brown bag lunches, 2) components of a healthy lifestyle, 3) eating habits of Alaska's school teachers, 4) nutritional concerns of adolescents (i.e. dieting, anorexia nervosa) and 5) iron deficiency anemia in Alaskan children. Detailed descriptions are provided of selected health and nutrition education curricula currently being implemented in Alaskan schools. School involvement in community Health Fair projects is explored.

The requirements and operation of the School Breakfast and School Lunch Programs in selected school systems are outlined and guidelines are provided for obtaining required background information and assistance in setting up both types of programs.