License to Snack (www.licensetosnack.com) is a web-based tool featuring information and resources about healthier snacking developed in collaboration with American Dietetic Association and Frito-Lay. The purpose of this interactive, educational site is to provide a clearer understanding of how healthy snacks can be included in a young children’s daily diet.

The USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion’s MyPyramid e-Post announces a Small Changes Summit on January 14, 2009, in Washington D.C. from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For the betterment of health in children and families, this summit will announce “an assault on obesity from all directions.” This assault will be a combined effort between Government-Science-Industry. To find out more, please go to www.mypyramid.gov.

USDA has recognized Hatch, Inc., as an industry partner with the development of the Fit4You fitness and nutrition kit (www.fit4youkit.com) and during this event Hatch will be highlighted as a partner for this project. We are proud of that distinction!

As we begin 2009, it is important that we continue to stay informed about early childhood issues. One website that I find extremely informative is the PreK Now website. Their mission is to collaborate with advocates and policymakers concerning early childhood. The site provides many resources for every childhood educator and family. Each weekday through email I receive news clips which capture the pulse of early childhood issues across the U.S. Educators, families, and Pre-K advocates alike will find an abundance of information to support their efforts with young children. Please visit preknow.org and sign up!