The following is a list of ways a chef can improve the health of students and add to the overall culture of a school.

• Meet-the-Farmer/Meet-the-Chef: Invite local farmers and chefs to school to participate in seasonal tastings and celebrate where, when and how our food grows.
• Open Houses: Provide healthy snacks at school functions, as opposed to sugary desserts or drinks to show families how delicious and easy eating fresh foods can be. Educate families on how increased nutrition and better eating habits can result in improvements in classroom performance.
• Hands-on Cooking Classes: Teach students to cook and taste fresh, healthy foods that are locally and sustainably grown. Get their input on what kinds of foods they would like to eat in the cafeteria. Create healthy alternatives and cook those foods together.
• Plant a Garden: Show kids where their food comes from by planting a garden. Teachers can incorporate the garden into lesson plans. Hold a school-wide harvest party and prepare recipes using fruits and vegetables from the school garden.
• School Cookbook: Invite students, school staff members and families to submit their favorite healthy recipes and create a school-wide cookbook of healthy recipes.
• Organize a Family Food and Fun Night: Provide samples for parents and students to taste and rate new food items that are being considered for the school lunch or breakfast programs.
• Student Council: Work with a student organization to identify opportunities for change to the existing school food program. Brainstorm alternative menus and hold tastings to get students involved.
• Cooking Club: Lead an after-school cooking program for interested students. Students can learn more about their own food culture or investigate other cultures around the world.
• Concessions Stand: Encourage a healthy lifestyle by partnering athletics with healthy snacks. Give your concession stand an upgrade: serve fresh fruit, all-natural popcorn, fat-free milk and 100% fruit juice in appropriate portion sizes.

Find more information in our Chefs Move to Schools guide or on the Chefs Move to Schools website.