First and second graders at St. James have been learning how to pick better snacks and make healthier choices through a program called “Pick a Better Snack.”

Through the nine week Iowa State University Extension program, Dianna Flannery, Extension nutrition volunteer, visited the classrooms with a health lesson and fresh fruit or vegetable for a snack.

Apples, kiwi, tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, carrots, cranberries, sweet peppers, spinach and snap peas were some of the snacks that students tasted during the program.

Various health topics were also discussed, such as proper hand washing techniques, daily exercise, good hygiene, to be brave when trying new things, to be careful of sugars in drinks and brushing their teeth. Tooth brushes were provided by HACAP Public Health Services.

Students also learned about the USDA’s MyPlate and that each meal should contain the five food groups. The “Pick a Better Snack” program is supported by a grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation.