Students across central Illinois are returning to the classroom this week, if they haven't already, and while it can sometimes get put on the back burner, nutrition for our youth should be among the top priorities.

University of Illinois Extension Nutrition Educator Caitlin Mellendorf is reminding that the federal government recently readjusted its standards for nutrition in schools, and so now cafeterias are returning to more meals prepared by hand to meet those standards. 

According to Mellendorf,  a well-nourished student is going to be better prepared for success in school than students who are hungry.

August is National Sandwich Month, and while oftentimes a standard peanut butter and jelly or lunch meat sandwich is what kids have put into their lunchboxes, Mellendorf encourages very minor adjustments to those classics to complete the nutrition for your youngster.

Stay with us in the weeks ahead at the Hart Media Group as we'll hear more from Mellendorf on those garden-fresh fruits and vegetables that are starting to come into season.