Success Stories - Kids
Behind the Scenes: White House Chefs Prep the Kids' State Dinner
Today's Kids' State Dinner is a White House original in many ways -- it's not only the first time the guests of honor are ALL under the age of 13, it's also the first time the White House kitchen has served a formal meal where the entire menu was created by "chefs" who have no formal training. But Executive Chef Cris Comerford and Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses say they learned a thing or two about healthy cooking from the young winners of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge -- check it out:
A Fresh (Fish) Spin on an Old Concept
The school day keeps getting healthier for kids in the Bend-LaPine School District in central Oregon! Building on the concept of Farm to School (connecting farmers to schools), Oregon is implementing an innovative concept called “Boat to School.” This program connects Oregon fishermen and processors with the school cafeteria and classroom so that local seafood is served on the lunch line and students learn about coastal communities.
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.
Whitley County Schools Proactive in Implementing New Meal Standards
When the Nutrition Standards for School Meals went into effect last year, Whitley County School Food Service in Williamsburg, Ky., was already serving students more healthy meals.
Let’s Move! White House Social: Easter Egg Roll
We're excited to announce that our next White House Social will be a Let's Move! Social here, at the White House. On Monday, April 1st, 2013, the First Family will host the 135th annual White House Easter Egg Roll with the theme "Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You!" We are inviting Let's Move! followers on Twitter and Facebook and their children, ages 5 - 13, to join the fun on the South Lawn and of course to share their experience with their followers! The day's activities -- which will include sports and cooking demonstrations -- will help educate families on smart ways to incorporate healthy eating and exercise choices into their daily routines, key pillars of First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative.
Interested in joining? Sign up for your chance to join other @LetsMove followers for the White House Easter Egg Roll at WhiteHouse.gov/Social
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?
Haile Thomas Joins First Lady at the 2013 State of the Union Address
At just 12 years old, Haile Thomas has made a big difference. A youth leader working hard to inspire kids to eat healthy, Haile joined First Lady Michelle Obama, along with a handful of other guests, for the President’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday evening.
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.
