IATP | Local Food | Project Healthy School Food


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With obesity and diet-related chronic disease on the rise among America's children, concern is growing about the food our children eat. As a place where many children eat nearly half of their meals each week, K-12 schools have a critical role to play in providing nutritious foods and supporting healthy eating practices.

The Local Foods Program at IATP is working nationally and locally to help schools expand the use of local, sustainably produced and healthier foods:

IATP partners closely with the Minnesota School Nutrition Association to design and implement Farm2School (F2S) programs around the state. Collaborative efforts include training for school food service staff, building connections with area farmers and raising public awareness about Farm2School. In Fall 2010, IATP and MSNA are launching the first annual Farm2School week in Minnesota (September 20–24).

To help schools educate students, parents and other stakeholders about Farm2School, IATP has developed an extensive array of easy-to-use F2S promotional materials for use in the cafeteria, classroom and beyond. IATP is making these tools available to interested Minnesota schools at no cost. (See www.iatp.org/farm2school).

We are also providing technical assistance to county and city grantees pursuing farm to school through the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) at the Minnesota Department of Health.

In collaboration with St. Paul Public Schools, IATP is a lead player in School Food FOCUS, a national network of large urban school districts and school food advocates. As FOCUS’ first national pilot location, we are working to increase the use of local produce, whole grains and healthier meat and dairy products in St. Paul schools.

IATP is part of the national Farm to School Network that is advocating for innovation in child nutrition policy to support healthier food environments in schools across the country.