Tomorrow marks the first day of Fall, and kids are back in school. As parents we try to prepare them for the school year as much as possible- pep-talks, new notebooks, crayons, and maybe even the latest lunchbox. But it’s what’s inside the lunchbox that counts. Research shows proper nutrition promotes the optimal growth and development of children and has a positive impact on academic performance, including improved cognitive function (especially memory), reduced absenteeism, and improved mood.

You can help boost your kids’ brain power during Fruits & Veggies — More Matters™ month, a time when CDC joins other public and private organizations to promote eating fruits and vegetables for better health. Explore the World with Fruits and Vegetables is a kit developed for teachers, public health professionals, and dietitians to use with children to spark their interest in fruits and vegetables. It explores cuisines from different parts of the world, and provides activities to use in geography, math, and social studies classes. Here are a few tips to make your kids the envy of the lunchroom!

• Color your crunch for lunch:  Have your child choose from a rainbow of colors to brighten up his or her lunch. Carrots or celery with light ranch dressing or apples with peanut butter are a fun way to crunch.
• Covert yogurt:  In your child’s lunch, pack a container of plain yogurt and fruit chunks. Encourage him or her to play detective and identify which fruits you included. Give a small prize for the right answer!

Want to know more?

Fruits & Veggies — More Matters: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/

Get Kids to Eat Healthy: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/top-10-to-get-kids-involved

Youth Nutrition: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/nutrition/facts.htm