Eat Smart. Play Hard.™

Katherine Shook, Dietetic Intern
University of Maryland, College Park

Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ was started by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).  The purpose of this campaign is to encourage families to incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their everyday lives.  The campaign’s Web site consists of three sections that provide information for children, parents and educators.

The Web site for children illustrates a colorful town with a theatre, fitness center, music store, arcade, farmer’s market, and more.  The Food and Nutrition Service introduces the physically active mascot, Power Panther, as an approach to motivate children.  In this segment, children are offered a variety of electronic resources and tools to make learning fun.  These tools and resources include games, songs, pictures, activity sheets, and recipes, most of which are from MyPyramid for Kids. 

The parent section provides information on how to make healthy changes, prepare easy, appetizing meals, and increase physical activity.  The resources available include a Calorie Burner Chart, My Pyramid Tracker, and the Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ Tracking Card.  By using the available tools and following the specified guidelines, parents not only learn how to live healthier, but also how to be positive role models for their children.

Educators visiting the site will find the messages, based on MyPyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, fun and appropriate.   A useful feature on this site is the option to search for materials.  This helps educators find materials that are suitable for parents/caregivers and children of all ages. You can search by topic, format, audience, keyword and/or language.

“Power Panther Corner” is an easy way for educators to access and download pictures, scripts, and even the opportunity to have a special appearance by Power Panther himself.  The “Get Involved!” section shows educators how to partner with the Campaign, and access letters, articles, and new ideas for an unforgettable educational experience.  Join the Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ Campaign and help make America’s children healthier. Visit the How to Get Involved section to get started today!