School Lunch and the School Environment

Parting thoughts

School Lunch

• Nutrients in meals averaged over a week

• School decides food items served as long as meal pattern and nutrients are met

Local wellness policies

• By 2006 – 2007

• Includes physical activity and nutrition education goals

• USDA guidelines, school district decides specifics

Opportunities for Extension

HealthierUS Challenge

• FNEP helps meet nutrition ed. in the school

• FNEP reaches other channels like parents

Local wellness policy

Work w/partners

• USDA

• DESE

• DHSS

Who does what?

• NPA: nutr. ed. in classroom & to parents, link w/school food service, coalition

• Specialist, coordinator: Help develop policy – join local School Health Advisory Council, provide training

May vary from region to region!

Quote – Gabriela Mistral

Many things we need can wait. The child cannot.

Now is the time his bones are being formed;

his blood is being made, his mind is being developed.

To him we cannot say tomorrow. His name is today.

Next ITV – August 12, 2005

Food safety and food production – from antibiotics in animals to organic foods and

pesticides