Healthy Kids Out Of School is an afterschool curriculum that encourages healthy eating and physical activity in elementary school students. It focuses on teaching youth to snack smart, drink right, and move more. While it is designed for fourth and fifth grade youth, Healthy Kids Out Of School can be adapted for older and younger ages.
Our messaging strategies are done both digitally or via print materials to encourage healthy choices for Illinois families. Examples include a monthly email newsletter, Healthy Text program, posters, and point-of-choice prompts at food pantries and retail outlets.
Three curricula are available for afterschool and summer programs. These are Illinois Junior Chefs, CATCH® Kids Club, and Healthy Kids Out Of School. Both CATCH® Kids Club and Healthy Kids Out of School are also available as virtual lessons.
CATCH® Kids Club is an afterschool and summer program to encourage healthier eating habits and physical activity for youth grades K-5. Some lessons include snack preparation.
Illinois Junior Chefs is our very own cooking and nutrition curriculum for youth aged 8-13. Each lesson focuses on a MyPlate food group and a cooking or food preparation skill. A recipe book and certificate are provided to youth who complete the series. Illinois Junior Chefs includes five lessons.