Teen Nutrition Aide Program

The Teen Nutrition Aide Program is a summer youth initiative that employs teens affiliated with Head Start to assist with meal service and facilitate nutrition and fitness activities at Summer Nutrition sites throughout the city. The Summer Nutrition Program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education, and managed by many providers across the state of Illinois, including the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services.

Teens involved in the program are trained in the 5-4-3-2-1 GO! curriculum developed by the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children. Supervised by adult team leaders, Teen Nutrition Aides learn how to teach fun interactive lessons for children on the importance of eating healthy and being active.  Teens also learn basic job and leadership skills, building valuable skills for the future.