Success Stories
Let’s Move! Outside Engages Youth in Over 50 Cities
In 51 cities across the country from Anchorage to San Juan, young people are charting their own paths in America’s great outdoors. They are cleaning beaches in San Diego, planting gardens in Houston, paddling rivers in Minneapolis and dissecting invasive lionfish in Miami.
School Breakfast Top Priority for NJ School District
Harrison School District Superintendent Dr. James Doran is committed to improving the learning environment for children in this small New Jersey town. Part of that commitment was on display during National School Breakfast Week when I visited Lincoln Elementary School with Dr. Doran to see first-hand how schools in Harrison have championed breakfast in the classroom.
Lincoln has more than 600 students who have enjoyed breakfast in the classroom for the past two school years. But this year Dr. Doran expanded the program to include both the middle and high school, ensuring that even more students begin each school day with a nutritious breakfast. The District decided it was best to offer breakfast after the bell to all students because, according to Dr. Doran, “all the research indicates that children who eat breakfast perform better academically and tend to be more attentive.”
Alabama City School System Proactive in Meeting New Meal Standards
Andalusia City Schools were ahead of the curve. Even before they applied for the Healthier U.S. School Challenge (HUSSC) and won a Gold Award of Distinction for their elementary school, Andalusia City Schools were already taking steps towards making nutritional improvements to their meals.
“We have a long standing tradition of excellence and are recognized as a system where performance exceeds expectations,” said Ms. Stephanie Dillard, child nutrition director for Andalusia City Schools. “At Andalusia City Schools we want what is best for all students, and we exceed expectations in our school meals.”
Schools in Andalusia began serving whole wheat breads and romaine lettuce prior to applying for the HUSSC. Additionally, the schools increased their fruit and vegetable offerings, including dark green and dark orange vegetables a few times a week. Students were also already served one percent or skim milk.
Connecticut School Makes Healthy Meals a Priority
Last year, the principal of our school organized a school garden club for all interested students. With the tremendous work of master gardener Mr. Bill Baxter, and his son and daughter in law, Jesse and Dana Zettergren, the club members have been able to maintain the school garden throughout the summer and into this school year.
We have found that it has been quite easy to tie in the garden club to the lunches that we serve through the National School Lunch Program. We are also testing out new ways to make our school-grown vegetables last longer. We suggest you try:
- Freezing vegetables
- Making pickles
- Using herbs to make herb-flavored oils
- Canning vegetables
- Drying fruit
- Donating excess produce to reduce waste and involve the community in our garden
School Lunch Superhero Day
We all know that getting your young ones to eat a well-balanced meal can be difficult. And for many of our children, the only meal they eat each day that is built of quality nutrition is served in the school cafeteria. In an effort to recognize the school nutrition professionals across the nation who serve our children every school day, the School Nutrition Association is launching School Lunch Superhero Day this Friday, May 3.
Change Is Happening in Mississippi
First Lady Michelle Obama visited Clinton, Mississippi today to highlight the progress made across the state to decrease childhood obesity. From elementary schools all the way to the state capitol, people are stepping up and working together for the health of our kids. So what is Mississippi's secret to success?
Happy Birthday, Let’s Move!
Today we’re celebrating the 3rd birthday of Let’s Move! On February 9, 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama launched her initiative to raise a healthier generation of kids. We’re amazed at how many partners have come together – everyone from schools, chefs, parents and child care providers, faith and community leaders, museums and gardens, military and business leaders – to play a role in this initiative.
A New Salad Bar at Sunset Park Elementary School
What’s one fun way to help students eat more greens (and reds, yellows, oranges, and purples)? School salad bars! Sunset Park Elementary School in Miami recently received a new salad bar through Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools.
Girl Scout Earns Highest Achievement, Inspired by Let's Move!
Everywhere I turned, I saw the great problem of childhood obesity. Things had changed over the short time from my childhood. Today's children were not getting the physical activity or food they needed. I was going to change that with the use of my Girl Scouts Gold Award. I was inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let's Move! initiative and by my younger cousin DJ, who is obese. I have a great love of sports and knew there had to be something to tie healthy living together with sports. Then the idea was born.
Get Moving for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Ed. Note: This was cross-posted from the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition blog.
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is the perfect time for children and families to get outside and play together! You don’t have to do back flips in the Olympics or throw a football 40 yards down the field to be active and break a sweat. Whether you ride your bike to work or school or chase after your dog in the park, physical activity can be fun and it helps you feel good too.
