or   Contact: Randi Appelbaum/DMS at 212-727-1802 or e-mail at RandiA@dmswire.com

SATELLITE INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY
DATE AND TIME OF SATELLITE INTERVIEWS:
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2004/6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. EDT

WHAT: IT’S LUNCH BOX MAKEOVER TIME!

Millions of parents have been packing the same school lunches since September…And it’s time to give kids a change.

Registered Dietitian and Author Jodie Shield Offers an Inside Look at What’s Happening in Today’s School Lunchroom, as Well as an Inside Look at What’s Happening in Today’s School Lunchroom, as Well as Quick Tips and Creative Ideas for parents to for Parents to Pack Nutritious and Tasty Lunches Sure to Please Their Young Ones

WHO: Jodie Shield, M.Ed., RD is co-author of the book, Guide to Healthy Eating for Kids: How Your Child Can Eat Smart from 5 to 12; former national media spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (1989-1995); nutrition consultant and freelance writer for the American Dietetic Association, & The National Dairy Council; and mother of three children.

WHY: Parents often wonder just what their kids are doing with their school lunches -- trashing, trading, or enjoying every last bite? According to the 2004 Lunchroom Monitor Survey, at least once a week more than 73% of kids said they are trashing their lunches and over a third said they trade or swap their lunches with classmates.

In her interviews, Shield will:
* Inform parents how eating a well-balanced lunch aids in proper growth and development, and helps establish long-term, healthy eating habits.
* Offer creative ideas and quick tips for a lunch box makeover – tasty, fun, nutritious and “kid-friendly” lunches.
* Explain that a healthy lunch helps kids to concentrate better in the classroom and provides them with energy for after-school sports and activities.
* Offer insight into what is happening in today’s school lunchroom – what are kids trashing and trading…and how often?

More than 50% of moms feel their biggest challenge is packing items that their child likes and are nutritious. Shield believes that moms need to think outside the box - the lunchbox that is - and provides her top tips for packing kid-friendly, mom-approved lunches. It’s as easy as A, B, C:

· ‘A’ctions speak louder than words. Kids follow their parent’s example. Choose nutritious foods when preparing meals, drink a glass of low-fat milk with dinner and be sure to make time for exercise.
· ‘B’uy a stash of healthy foods. Stock your kitchen with a variety of nutritious and great tasting grab-and-go foods.
· ‘C’ommunicate with your kids. Take advantage of time in the car on the way to soccer practice, or when the family is gathered around the table for dinner to talk to your kids about the benefits of choosing nutritious foods.

Copy of the book "Guide to Healthy Eating for Kids: How Your Child Can Eat Smart from 5 to 12” will be sent to participating stations.