Growing Nutritious FoodThe 10th Growing Healthy Kids in Kentucky Conference, hosted by the Kentucky Dietetic Association, is being held June 30th and July 1st.  Janet Mullins, associate extension professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, serves as  co-chair of the conference.  During the opening day luncheon, she will share highlights from a decade of Growing Healthy Kids conferences.  The first day will conclude with a Chefs Move to Kentucky Schools reception sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and hosted by KET's Renee Shaw.

The second and final day of the conference will feature a series of plenary sessions focused on local food and community policy issues.  First Lady Jane Beshear will speak about the Governor's Garden and her passion to help Kentucky children and families access healthy foods.  Sarah Fritchner will describe her work to build a local food economy in Louisville.  Anita Courtney will talk about the importance of policy and systems changes to make communities places for healthy eating and active living.

"When children learn nutritional eating habits at an early age, they are more prone to grow up to live healthier lives," said First Lady Jane Beshear.  "Healthy eating also breeds healthy minds and helps students be better prepared for learning in the classroom.  I'm so pleased to be a part of this conference that gives parents and educators the tools to encourage healthier eating for children both in homes and at school."  The Growing Healthy Kids Conference is hosted annually by the Kentucky Dietetic Association.