Dietitian Consultant Elli Nyberg teaches children at CHS about nutrition. She works with nursing home residents to help them eat healthier, too. 

In December, Elli had a great idea. “My plan this month was to have the kids write letters to my nursing home residents to encourage them to eat,” she says.

Elli explained to the kids that older folks have had experiences similar to theirs, because of the pandemic—being unable to see their families. When they’re sad and lonely, kids can end up stress eating (which Elli helps them avoid), but when older people are sad and lonely, they oftentimes just stop eating and they lose weight.

“I was especially and pleasantly surprised with the thoughtfulness that some of the students put into their letters,” says Elli. “I have been sharing these with my nursing home residents as I do my assessments with them—reading the letters to them, which they can keep if they want.” 

Please take a moment to read what our kids have written! It’s sure to make you smile. 

Click on any letter to enlarge.