At EatMoveGrow, we've always been committed to promoting a healthier lifestyle for students. Now, we're taking it a step further by teaming with Louisiana Team Nutrition to encourage schools to convert their snack carts to offer snacks that meet the Smarter Snack guidelines.

Why Should Schools Consider Smarter Snacks?
Healthy eating habits are crucial for students' well-being, academic performance, and overall development. By converting your school's snack carts to Smarter Snacks, you can:

• 🍎 Prioritize Student Health: Smarter Snacks are lower in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, ensuring that students receive the nourishment they need to stay focused and energized throughout the day.

• 📚 Support Learning: Proper nutrition can have a significant impact on students' cognitive function, memory, and behavior. By providing smarter snacks, schools can help students reach their full potential.

• 🌱 Instill Lifelong Habits: Offering healthier snacks at a young age can help instill lifelong habits of making nutritious food choices. It's an investment in a healthier future.

• 💪 Combat Childhood Obesity: Childhood obesity is a growing concern. Smarter Snacks can be a part of the solution, contributing to healthier weight management for our youth.

Negative Impact of Junk Food Canteens:
It's also crucial to consider the negative impact of junk food-filled canteens. Unhealthy snacks have been linked to several concerning issues for students, including:

• 🍔 Poor Nutrition: Junk food is typically high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to inadequate nutrition and over-consumption.

• 📉 Academic Decline: Consuming junk food can lead to energy spikes and crashes, affecting students' focus and academic performance.

• 🍭 Addictive Ingredients: Many junk foods are designed to be addictive, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits that persist into adulthood.

• 🩺 Health Consequences: Regular consumption of junk food can contribute to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.

Introducing the EatMoveGrow Smarter Snack Grant Program!
We understand that transitioning to Smarter Snacks can be a challenge, which is why we're excited to announce the EatMoveGrow Smarter Snack Grant Program! We're offering grants to help schools fund the purchase of commercial snack carts that meet the Smarter Snack criteria. The grant includes:

1. Commercial Snack Cart: We'll provide funding to help your school purchase a commercial snack cart that meets all the necessary criteria for Smarter Snacks.
2. Initial Snack Stocking: Along with the cart, we'll help you get started by providing an initial supply of snacks that meet Smarter Snack guidelines.
3. Technical Support: EatMoveGrow and LA Team Nutrition will provide technical support in launching your new Smarter Snacks Cart and provide periodic check-ins for support.

How to Apply for the EatMoveGrow Smarter Snack Cart Grant:

1. Ensure your school is a current EatMoveGrow program site, committed to promoting wellness and a healthy lifestyle among students.
2. Gain the support of your school's leadership, showing their dedication to this important initiative.
3. Click on the link below to access the grant application
4. Complete the application form and submit it to Hannah at hannah@eatmovegrow.us

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We're excited to offer the Smarter Snack Grants on a rolling basis. This means you can apply at a time that's most convenient for your school, and we'll consider applications as long as funding is available. We're here to support your commitment to healthier snack options for your students.

Stay tuned for more updates, tips, and resources to enhance the wellness of your students. Together, we can Eat, Move, and Grow toward a brighter and healthier future! 🌟🍏💪