PE-Nut™ | National Kidney Foundation of Michigan

PE-Nut™ (Physical Education and Nutrition Working Together) is a program developed by the Michigan Fitness Foundation and is implemented by trained NKFM educators. It is a nutrition and physical education program that uses a whole-school approach to motivate students, parents, and educators to be physically active and eat healthier within the elementary school setting. Carefully linked to the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations, PE-Nut™ provides a pathway to infuse nutrition and physical education while covering the specific material required by the state.

The program incorporates a planned curriculum, food sampling, structured physical activity, books, daily health messages, and even school-wide events. The NKFM is currently funded by the Michigan Fitness Foundation to offer PE-Nut™ to eligible schools in Wayne County.

NKFM staff will utilize the following program materials, provided through SNAP-Ed funding at the Michigan Fitness Foundation.

Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities™ Curriculum

This curriculum, developed by the Michigan Fitness Foundation, is available for three levels of programming: Pre-k and Kindergarten, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary. The content is consistent with SNAP-Ed messaging and empowers students to choose healthy foods and to be physically active.

Nutrition Educators

Trained nutrition educators visit selected classrooms in schools to conduct six lessons from the Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities™ Curriculum and provide a healthy snack tasting. Nutrition educators also attend various school events throughout the year.

kids running outside

Health through Literacy™

Participating classrooms receive a grade-specific bag of 5-6 books with nutrition or physical activity messages.

FitBits™

FitBits™ are 7-10 minute physical activity breaks that teach nutrition concepts or physical and social skills. Participating classrooms receive grade-specific booklets with 30-40 activities.

EPEC™ (Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum™)

Students eating lunch EPEC™ is an easy-to-use, award-winning physical education curriculum designed for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. EPEC™ teaches students the knowledge and skills and fosters the competence and confidence they need to enjoy physical activity for a lifetime.

Building Leadership Guide

School administrators can reinforce nutrition messages through provided morning announcements and by including nutrition and physical activity blurbs found in this guide on school websites or newsletters.

PE-Nut™ in Action

The NKFM is currently implementing PE-Nut in 15 schools, reaching over 10,000 students per year with nutrition education in the gym, over the public announcement system, in the library and through family engagement activities. Over 3,000 students are in PE-Nut classrooms where their teacher receives additional nutrition and physical education resources and a nutrition educator to reinforce health messages. Visit the Childhood Program Outcomes page to read more on PE-Nut™'s impact on students and their families.

Get Involved

The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan staff deliver PE-Nut™ in eligible schools with funding from MFF. The number of grant-funded schools is limited.

To learn more about having the PE-Nut™ program in your school, please contact:
Heidi Holoweski | hholoweski@nkfm.org | (313) 259-1574

To learn more about the PE-Nut™ program, please visit the Michigan Fitness Foundation’s website:

Learn more

PE-Nut nutrition educator reading to class

The PE-Nut™ Experience

“What a great program! [Our Nutrition Educator] is so motivated, energetic, and shares great ideas/info with us. This program is also great because it is geared for the kids to learn nutrition, healthy habits and exercise. Thank you.” -4th grade teacher

“I learned that by trying new things you are more healthy. Thank you for telling me to be healthy. I love being healthy.” -2nd grade student

For Kids

Online learning in a SNAP: Physical activity and nutrition videos created by trained SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators across the state.

Kids’ Corner from the United States Department of Agriculture: Coloring activities and puzzles for children of all ages.

NKFM YouTube: PE-Nut Playlist: Physical activity videos and healthy recipe demonstrations from NKFM nutrition educators.

For Adults

SNAP-Ed at NKFM: Learn more about SNAP-Ed and how the NKFM can support you and your SNAP benefits

USDA MyPlate: This website has many tips on how to eat healthy, shop smart, and choose foods that your kids will enjoy.

The Michigan Nutrition Standards Toolkit: This toolkit has many ideas on how to make healthy choices at home and at school, making it a great resource for parents and teachers.

Meals 4 Kids: Assistance in finding meals available near you.

ChopChop Magazine: Subscribe to this free magazine with kid friendly recipes and cooking tips.

Eat Well in a SNAP: Helping you and your family eat healthy all month long.

This project was funded in whole or in part by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Fitness Foundation.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Program Components

PE-Nut™ in Action

Get Involved

The PE-Nut™ Experience

Resources