How To Successfully Implement Healthy Meals and Snacks at Schools

Implementing the new nutrition standards for school meals and snacks set in place by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and the “Smart Snacks in School” rule takes time, dedication and creativity on the part of both school employees and families. But school districts around the country are already experiencing success as they see kids eating and enjoying the healthier options. Get inspired by these four school districts’ creative tactics to teach kids healthy habits:  

Ankeny, Iowa
This Iowa school district’s school meal participation has held steady with healthy changes, according to a report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. One teacher even started regularly eating the school lunches because of the healthy fruit and veggie offerings. Here are some of the district’s success secrets:

1. Hold taste tests: Getting students involved in the switch to healthier food options gives educators and staff a chance to explain why the changes are necessary.
2. Be proactive in providing information to school staff and families: The Ankeny nutrition team discussed the healthy changes at staff meetings and in blurbs posted on the district website to clearly explain the reasons for the changes and clear up any confusion. 

Eastern Washington
Healthy meals in six Eastern Washington school districts are getting rave reviews from students thanks to the hard work of school staff. In this school spotlight, Alliance for a Healthier Generation shares how the district got kids on board with nutritious lunches:

1. Train school staff: The Eastern Washington school service staff trained with Cook for America’s Culinary Boot Camp and they continue to receive support from a local chef in order to prepare homemade, healthy, fruit and veggie-centric options.
2. Always be on the lookout for new, creative ways to serve healthy dishes: One wellness coordinator turns to toolkits and community success stories for continued inspiration of what might work at her schools. Educators don’t have to start from scratch; seek out resources online (like from Bag the Junk or the Alliance for a Healthier Generation) and lean on contacts in other districts for new ideas. 

Carrollton, Georgia
Kids in Carrollton, Georgia are eating 40% more fruit and 30% more vegetables thanks to the cafeteria staff’s efforts to increase the amount and variety of fresh produce offered at meals, reports the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project. Here are some of the lessons they learned along the way:

1. Work as a team: Carrollton teachers, school administrators and cafeteria staff discovered it was critical to be on same page in teaching kids to enjoy the healthy options. Students need support from all sides in order to show them that healthy eating can be an easy, natural part of their everyday lives.
2. Come up with a strategic food service plan: The Georgia cafeteria staff is constantly experimenting with ways to make food and veggie preparation more efficient and also provide kids with a variety of fresh produce. For example, they often serve labor-intensive cut-up apples with a minimum-preparation item like frozen broccoli; this balance keeps labor costs down while giving kids more healthy dishes to choose from. 

Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis City Public Schools have seen increased participation in their breakfast program and their school lunch participation has held steady while introducing healthier foods and beverages. This Robert Wood Johnson Foundation “School Meals Success Story” explores their efforts:

1. Start a school garden: 20 schools in the district have launched on-site gardens to get kids involved in the growing process and more excited about eating vegetables. (For more on school gardens, check out our recent blog.)
2. Initiate community-wide education on nutrition issues: Help all students, families, school staff and community members understand that the changes are to improve kids’ health so everyone can work toward the same goal.

How has your school had success encouraging kids to eat healthy food choices? Tweet us @BagtheJunk or write on our Facebook wall.