12/12/11 Menominee Elementary was notified in late October that they were selected to receive a mini-grant in the amount of $500 to create a nutrition and physical environment in preparation for applying for the Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC). Indianawas awarded a 2011 USDA Team Nutrition Training Grant to help 40 schools take the HUSSC challenge.
As a part of the process, Plymouth Director of Food Service, Gloria Brunam, and Menominee Principal held a training session at the school on December 8. Participants came from eight different school systems in the state includingFt.Wayne,Indianapolis,Valparaiso,Garyand Garrett.
After achieving the HUSSC, schools will receive a recognition plaque, monetary award of between $500 and $2000, and an award banner from USDA to display at the school to showcase the achievement.
Leading the training on Thursday was Vicky James, dietitian fromKansas. James and six other dieticians travel to all 50 states to lead the sessions.
James said, “You (food service) are doing something that’s bigger than your menus.” According to James, an average student spends some 12,000-13,000 hours in school. She believes it is the reasonability of those in food service to foster healthy eating habits and work with the rest of the school staff to promote physical activity.
Much of the material covered during the six-hour training was targeted toward introducing fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat milk into school menus. Dunn, who sits on the Plymouth School Corporation Cafeteria Committee, said, “With the new school lunch law, I can see many schools struggling to meet the new nutritional requirements.”
“Fortunately, Plymouth has started implementing some changes already like more whole grains and fresh fruits at least once a week.” Dunn said. He added, “Plymouth still has lots more work ahead, and we look forward to meeting the age old challenge of getting kids to eat more broccoli and dark greens.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
