Providers should do the following during mealtimes with school-agers EXCEPTuse snack times to discuss what it is that makes certain foods healthy.ensure they finish all their food.have a snack ready as soon as they get to the program.provide plenty of water and low-sugar drinks.

Providers should do the following during mealtimes with infants who were already introduced to solid foods by the families EXCEPTbreak food down into small pieces.offer soft foods that are easy to swallow.limit the variety of healthy snacks and food textures.offer new foods several times.

Besides making school lunches more nutritious, what else can schools do to improve the health of students?

How can providers make mealtimes with toddlers more successful?Involve children in simple food preparationDiscuss what it is that makes certain foods healthyEnsure children are safely sitting up in highchairsAvoid hard foods such as seeds, nuts, popcorn and hard candyEncourage children to use signs for “more” and “all done”Give children choices of different foods and ask for input when designing menusModel the social nature of eating by sitting around the table, taking turns and sharingBreak the food down into small, bite-sized pieces

Providers should do the following during mealtimes with toddlers EXCEPTserve new food separately from familiar foods.cut food into small pieces (about 1/2 an inch).have toddlers sit securely in highchairs or booster seats.help children learn self-help skills.

The type of Nutrition care that would alleviate these conditions can be the need for an evidence - based and feasible nutrition program for school children , especially those in rural schools.