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NEA ESPs Want Healthy Schools
Last week the NEA Health Information Network's Lisa Creighton represented NEA HIN at the 2012 NEA Education Support Professionals (ESP) Conference. I sat down with Lisa upon her return to find out more about her experience.
Lisa, tell us about the session you presented at the ESP Conference.
The session was called Healthy Kids Learn Better: How and Why to Improve School Food. I started by talking about the obesity epidemic which is really a big part of the impetus for healthier school food. Then we looked at the Federal guidelines for school meal programs and some of the changes coming because of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act . ESPs need to know this information, but it does not tell them what they can do, so we covered local strategies. These included Farm to School , the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program , school gardens, and Breakfast in the Classroom. This last one is really about increasing participation in the program as well as improving quality.
Your focus was on healthy eating. Can you share some of our member's experiences?
Sure. One custodian really stood out. He was a "food service custodian" working just in the food service area. His school has breakfast in the classroom and he was really positive about it. He said it did not add to his work, just changed it. So instead of cleaning the cafeteria after breakfast, he goes around the building collecting the trash from each classroom. Other participants were really interested in what he was saying.
Another member from New Jersey talked about how her district was trying to make healthier food available, particularly through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
You were also exhibiting. What NEA HIN resource did the attendees get most excited about?
People had lots to say about our shingles book. Many members knew someone who had experienced shingles so they wanted to know how they could reduce their risk. Other popular resources were Start School with Breakfast , Healthy Steps for Healthy Lives , and Tools for Schools. Our lip balm was also very popular because the air in the hotel was so dry.
Were you able to attend any other workshops?
I went to the session on Farm to School Programs presented by the National Farm to School Network and the Massachusetts Teachers Association. People were really excited. A few of the attendees talked about the farmer's markets at their schools. Others were interested in starting up new programs and school gardens.
Did you meet any celebrities?
Yes, I met the Lorax who was there to promote Read Across America. He was quiet, but friendly. And much shorter in person.
Is there anything you want to add?
Thank you to NEA's ESP Quality Department for the invitation to present and exhibit. There were so may first time attendees who were all so excited. It's a great conference.
This interview has been condensed and edited.
