Healthier US School Challenge

Don’t do it alone… Get your parents involved- they are the best advocates ever! Get your students involved-best voice for your school board! Seek out people with a passion for health in your schools and community to help! Build partnerships with local community experts. Ask your staff and administration for help. Ask the DOE for help. Ask your community experts for help. Keep asking… “don’t go away until you get your way” quoted by Michiana team member.

Nutrition Education and Physical Education

Meal Preparation Promotion and Service

Smarter Lunchroom Techniques

Smart Snacks in Schools

School Breakfast Promotion and Participation

Farm to School School gardens- start one, then another, they’re contagious… they’ll grow! Seek out local groups to work with. Seek out grants for raised beds, towers and equipment. Students take charge… let them get in the dirt and grow it. The curriculum is already in place for your teachers. No room? Garden Towers

Student empowerment and involvement “Students taking charge” Tap into your available resources: Action for Healthy Kids Community Education Programs 30-minute Field Trips to café Speak in classrooms; help educate Give your students a voice: Nutrition Clubs Garden Clubs Student ran health fairs High School students to join wellness committee Samples, samples, and more samples Surveys

Local Wellness Policy Keep the policy “alive” by including policy line items on paychecks, announcements, s, and posters. Review annually and recommend amendments as needed D. 35 “All foods available to students participating in the National School Lunch Program shall meet required nutritionally enhanced menu items of the Healthier US School Challenge including more orange and dark green vegetables, more whole grains, and more beans and legumes”.

Resources, links and contacts Helpful links: healthierus-school-challenge- smarter-lunchrooms healthierus-school-challenge- smarter-lunchrooms -team -team s.org/ s.org/