The Dedham Public School District is committed to promoting lifelong health, well-being, and the ability to learn by encouraging healthy eating and physical activity through implementation of their Wellness Policy. This commitment is executed by serving balanced meals and executing nutrition education throughout the school district. Nutrition education provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to eat a balanced diet and reduce the possibility of illness and chronic diseases. It is also an essential part of the district’s nutrition program.
On November 19, 2019, Framingham State University student dietitian Mollie Socha spent time with sophomore students at Dedham High School. She talked about the differences between nutrition facts and myths. The majority of the time was spent reviewing common nutrition information that was created and spread to be common knowledge. Students were quizzed on whether the nutrition statements were true or false. Following the quiz, the students reviewed the validity of each statement and discussed the logic behind the correct answer. Mollie also educated on how to find credible nutrition information. All of the students were surprised to find out how much misinformation is out there!
For more information on how to implement nutrition education into the wellness policy in your school district, check out Wellness Solution for MA.
Submitted by: Mollie Socha, FSU Graduate Food and Nutrition Student in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics