Pick a better snack reveals hidden sugars

Sugars hide in beverages, and the first- and second-graders at Kalona Elementary saw some of those hidden sweets through the Pick a Better Snack program offered by Washington County Extension.

Tuesday they learned a healthy daily meal plan can include eight teaspoons (32 grams) of sugar. They discussed how sugars hide often in drinks and snacks. They counted and measured the correct number of sugar cubes hidden in several different beverages and small snacks.

This program is designed to motivate children to eat more fruits and vegetables in meals and snacks and to be more physically active. Each week Amy Green, 4-H/youth coordinator, visits Kalona Elementary classrooms to talk about healthy snacks, making healthy choices and they always get to sample a particular fruit or vegetable of the day.

If you have any questions about the Pick a Better Snack program or would like to volunteer, please call the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811.