Nutrition Guidance Manual - WI Child Nutrition Programs (FNS)

not consume enough milk and dairy products. You can help by offering fat-freeand low-fat milk during the day to: Provide children with nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamin D, andpotassium. Help build strong bones, teeth, and muscles in growing children. Increase the chance that children will drink milk when they are older.What type of milk should I offer children over 2 years old?Fat-free and low-fat (1%) milk options have the same amount of calcium and otherimportant nutrients as whole and reduced-fat (2%) milks, but much less fat.Starting at age 2, children should drink:‣ Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk, or‣ Fat-free, or low-fat, lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk.How can I serve fat-free and low-fat milk?‣ Offer unflavored, fat-free and low-fat milks most often. These have lessadded sugar and fewer calories than flavored, whole, or reduced-fat milk.‣ Offer lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk to children who are lactoseintolerant.Making Water AvailableWhen children are thirsty between meals and snacks, water is the best beveragechoice. The amount of water needed will vary among children and increase on hotsummer days and during physical activity. You can help by making safe drinkingwater freely accessible to children throughout the day. Drinking water can: Keep children hydrated and healthy. Help build and maintain strong teeth, if water includes fluoride. Help rinse food from teeth and reduce acid in the mouth, both of whichcontribute to dental cavities.Help children develop a habit of drinking waterthat they will keep for life.Introducing NewFoodsPicky eating is common among young children. Some children are sensitive tocertain textures or smells and other children are afraid to try new foods. Childrenare more likely to try and like new foods when you introduce new foods with funor interesting nutrition education activities and serve meals that look and tastegood Consider introducing new recipes gradually, and always have an alternatechoice available. Use these tips to help get kids excited about trying healthy newfoods and meals:Add a variety of colors, shapes, and textures to meals Use several different noodle shapes (macaroni, penne, etc.) to create a coldpasta salad or hot pasta dish. Add crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, or fresh apples to salad mix orcoleslaw.32