Top Healthy School Success Stories of 2013

The CDC reported progress on fighting childhood obesity from 2008-2011 with decreased rates of obesity among preschool children in 18 states and one U.S. territory. While this is a positive sign that childhood obesity is declining in many states, the reality is that 1 in 8 preschoolers is still obese in the US. Eating healthy foods and staying physically active not only protects kids from obesity and related diseases, but it also boosts students’ performance in the classroom.

We learned about several broad and individualized initiatives that are helping turn the tide against childhood obesity this year. Below, we recap ten of our favorite ways parents, educators and policymakers are working together to teach kids fun ways to eat healthfully and stay fit:

1. Wisconsin elementary students raise funds by running laps
This fall was the third annual “Rocket Run” fundraiser at Royal Oaks Elementary School in Wisconsin. Students from kindergarten through fifth grade collected pledges for the number of laps they would run, with $20,000 expected to come in. To prepare for the event, students learned about the benefits of running and how to pace themselves during the activity. Kids cooled off with water during the race, and afterward they were treated to healthy snacks of bananas and string cheese. http://bit.ly/19pdTO3 

2. Arizona school gardens increase low-income students’ access to healthy foods
Students helped grow vegetables and herbs in their school garden and greenhouse, and used their garden for lessons in science, math and community projects, according to a recent Arizona Daily Star story. Our favorite idea from the article was how eighth graders learned to create a business plan to sell their garden-fresh produce. http://bit.ly/15X8kjn

3. Iowa school districts put a healthier spin on sugary birthday treats
Mason City is  among several Iowa school districts that have set guidelines around  birthday snacks in order to help limit kids’ access to junk food. Instead of bringing in the typical sugary sweets for a birthday celebration, Mason City students  get a special gift from the school office or wear a birthday crown in class. In Cedar Falls School District, kids still can bring food or drinks to share on their special day, however there is a strong policy in place that allows teachers to require that the snacks be healthy. Read the full KWWL story: http://bit.ly/1e7AjqN

4. Cincinnati, Ohio community fights obesity with personalized health plans
Cincinnati public schools and community partners recently opened a weight management clinic to fight childhood obesity. This after-school program brings students, their families, registered dieticians, and exercise physiologists together to create personalized health plans to improve kids’ food and exercise habits. “Good health is truly tied to the academic success of Cincinnati Schools,” said Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Mary Ronan. Childhood obesity is not a problem in isolation; it also has economic and academic costs. Read more in this Cincinnati.com article: http://cin.ci/13Ipm4H

5.  South Carolina schools incorporate fruit and veggies into new healthy, lunch dishes
South Carolina cafeteria service staff members learned how to cook new delicious and nutritious recipes, like vegetable lasagna, chicken bruschetta with fresh salad, and a cucumber and apple salad. Learn more about the schools’ mission to serve students’ healthier lunchtime choices: http://bit.ly/18292yE

6. A Georgia student helps his school grow fresh veggies through an aquaponics system
For a Boy Scouts project, a 13-year-old Atlanta student built an aquaponics system at his middle school, and the school began using the system as a teaching tool for math and science classes. According to an Athens, GA Patch article, the aquaponics system recirculates water between a 200-gallon fish tank and two garden beds, giving students a hands-on chance to: 1) Learn about sustainable food production and the life cycles of 55 tilapia in the fish tank; 2) Help grow fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli and strawberries in the two garden beds (idea: taste-test and serve the produce in the school cafeteria); 3) Calculate volume and displacement based on the fish tank in math class.  Read the full article: http://bit.ly/19POlt5

7. Utah students build their own sandwiches in the cafeteria line
Cafeterias in Utah’s Provo City School District include a “build your own sandwich” line where kids can personalize their bread and lunch meat with an array of veggies including cucumbers, green and red peppers, tomatoes and lettuce. http://bit.ly/11NddOo

8. A Virginia Farm to School celebration opens student’s eyes to new foods grown in their community
In November, Virginia students participated in Farm to School week by trying different varieties of local apples. Throughout the year, the schools partnered with farmers to plan cafeteria menus in advance in order to ensure healthy meals were available for students. Students were also introduced to new foods, like winter squash. Read the full Charlottesville Tomorrow article: http://bit.ly/1dfMRrD 

9. A Missouri elementary school boosts kids’ brains with a healthy morning meal
An elementary school in Greenwood, Missouri introduced a “Grab-n-Go” breakfast cart just inside it’s front doors so students can pick up a free healthy meal on their way to class. The school also offered a standard hot breakfast in the cafeteria. http://bit.ly/17WbMO2

10. Pennsylvania schools launch comprehensive student wellness programs
In 2010, 57% of Philadelphia kids ages 6-11 were overweight or obese, according to a BBC article. One way the city encouraged kids to eat healthier was by having trained restaurant chefs jump into cafeteria kitchens weekly to serve up nutritious meals and teach kids about healthy ingredients. To make the meals even more special, lunchrooms were equipped with real plates and silverware, to encourage students to slow down and experience their food. http://bit.ly/14jv2YX

What were some of the most inspiring healthy school initiatives you participated in or heard of this year? Share your stories on Twitter, Facebook, or in the comments below.