Improving school nutrition programs cannot be summed up in a simple three-step process, but there are ways that consumers can help improve their local school system's program. According to the American Public Health Association, a sustainable food system is one that "provides healthy food to meet current food needs while maintaining healthy ecosystems." The underlying need to meet the nutritional needs of children in an affordable and sustainable way is the driving force for advocates of sustainable food systems.
Step 1
Contact your school's food service or nutrition program director and find out what steps the school has taken to improve its nutrition program. Usually, the school district's website will provide the contact information for the agency responsible. Discuss your goals with the food service director and find out what needs exist to which you can contribute. Volunteer in the school lunch rooms to find out firsthand what the children eat and how the food is prepared. By exploring the current situation of the school lunch program, you can find out how best to help in your school's system.
Step 2
Buy local products and produce and begin connecting with the producers and farmers close to your area. If you can, join a community-supported agriculture program that will introduce you to local products and seasonal offerings. From within the CSA network, you should be able to find out if local producers could support or partially support a school lunch program. There are specific guidelines to public school lunch programs, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture's Team Nutrition website. If a single producer is unable to supply enough product for a school program, find out if a co-operative program can be arranged to improve even one part of the food system. The U.S. Department. of Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education website also provides sources and contacts to help you begin improving your school food system.
Step 3
Advocate for nutrition programs and food service that emphasize providing high-quality ingredients prepared in ways that children will eat them and sourced from sustainable, local producers. Encourage other members of your community to support initiatives to fund and participate in farm-to-school programs or school garden programs. The American Dietetic Association shows that strong community support where both the school system and community share responsibility for providing good food to schools results in high-quality programs and food.
Tips and Warnings
- Strong examples of farm-to-school programs and school gardens have already been set, and you can find information on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education website. The California Department of Education also shares much of its information about its farm-to-school programs, and many directors of these programs are willing to share their information. Remember that changing a school food service system takes time and advocacy, so give yourself and the system time to make beneficial changes.
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