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AUSTIN – As Texas children return to the classrooms, the Texas Department of Agriculture, H-E-B and other local grocers encourage parents to consider creating after-school snacks and meals with healthy Texas-grown and raised food.
"In recent years, Texas has made great strides in improving the nutritional value of school-served meals, but its important that parents continue the trend toward healthy food options after school and during snack time," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "Kids need energy to perform well in school and on the playground, so we ask parents to shop smart when choosing foods for after-school snacks and dinner."
Earlier today, at the H-E-B store on Brodie Lane in South Austin, Chef Scott Tillman demonstrated how parents can use Texas products to quickly prepare meals that taste good and are healthy for children. The Healthy After-School Texas Recipes can be viewed on the TDA website under Most Popular Links.
Founded 100 years ago in Kerrville, Texas, H-E-B stores have always shown commitment to selling Texas-grown and raised products.
"Ensuring the health and well-being of our customers has always been a top priority for H-E-B," Leslie Lockett, H-E-B director of public affairs said. "We are proud to partner with the Texas Department of Agriculture to highlight the health benefits of locally-grown and produced foods to see our Texas communities made healthier."
For a complete list of Texas products available at local retailers and farmers markets throughout the year, visit the Texas Produce Availability Chart.
More about obesity in Texas
Texas currently ranks seventh in the nation for childhood obesity. In 2009, 15 percent of Texas high-school students were reported to be overweight, and 13 percent were obese, making them more prone to obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Additionally, obesity is affecting more than just Texans who are overweight. Its estimated that Texas taxpayers spent nearly $5.8 billion dollars on obesity-attributable health care costs in 2008. If current obesity trends continue, that number could increase to $23.2 billion in 2018.
In an effort to combat the states growing obesity problem, Commissioner Staples developed an initiative called the 3Es of Healthy Living - Education, Exercise and Eating Right. The 3Es serve as a good reminder that living a healthy lifestyle takes a three-pronged approach. By encouraging parents to cook healthier meals in the evening using fresh Texas products, families
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