Sep. 22--As Irving Elementary School second-graders snip away at beehive cutouts, Tonya Lungstrum asks how much they know about what's inside those beehives.
"It tastes like honey 'cuz it is honey," second-grader Tommy Willis said.
As Muskogee Public Schools nutrition education coordinator, Lungstrum seeks to make sure kids not only know how foods taste, but also how different foods make them healthy.
"The school district really needs to encourage healthy eating," said MPS food services director Kim Shelton. "If she makes friends with the students, they'll be more willing to try something new and different."
Lungstrum, who is working toward being a registered dietitian, said she works with schools to help kids learn about nutrition, physical activity, hygiene and "overall health and wellness."
At Irving, Lungstrum not only teaches about honey, but also will help with a junior food handler's program, where they will learn about proper and sanitary ways to handle food. She also helped fifth-graders at Harris-Jobe Elementary School make soap balls and Harris-Jobe kindergartners produce books about hand-washing.
She said she tries to teach healthy habits without taking away from their reading, math and other core subjects.
"I like to do lots of arts and crafts and a lot of hands-on in my programs," Lungstrum said. "I don't just do nutrition. I try to weave in math, reading and science, so I don't take away from the teaching and testing."
Lungstrum said she plans to work with Muskogee High School's Nutrition Advisory Council to get more teens involved with healthy eating.
Lungstrum also works with CATCH -- Coordinated Approach to Child Health -- program, which is part of Pershing Elementary School's after-school program. The district works with the Muskogee County Health Department to offer the national program, designed to promote physical activity, healthy food choices and tobacco-free living.
County Health Department health educator Martha Alford praised Lungstrum's work.
"It's great to have her youthful focus in the program."
Her work goes outside the classroom as well. She also works with MPS school cafeteria workers to ensure they are following health regulations and food quality standards. She works with school cafeterias and parents to make sure students with special dietary needs get the right foods.
"We need a registered dietitian on the staff who can help kids who have food allergies," Shelton said. "She offers assistance in knowing what to eat."
"If a child cannot eat more than 50 percent of what's on the school menu for that day, the child has to take a lunch," Lungstrum said. She said she works school menu planners and parents to find out when certain foods are being served.
Some students, such as those with diabetes are still responsible for watching their own eating habits, she said.
Lungstrum said she also wants to broaden her nutrition outreach to the community, even beyond the school district, through the Student Parent Organization on Nutrition. The organization, will help residents learn shopping tips, cooking hints and money-saving ways to live a healthy lifestyle, she said. The group meets which meets at 4:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Sadler Arts Academy, 800 Altamont.
If you go
WHAT: Student, Parent Organization On Nutrition.
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. third Tuesday of each month.
WHERE: Sadler Arts Academy, 800 Altamont St.
CONTACT: Tonya Lungstrum, 684-3765.
Reach Cathy Spaulding at 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.
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