12.7.2012 LAUSD Board of Education Members Steve Zimmer and Mónica GarcÃa co-author the Improving Food and Nutrition Policy, which will be heard at the Board of Education Meeting on December 11, 2012.
The policy makes several changes that students will notice over the coming year. First, this policy will make healthy food and beverage options a more prominent and permanent part of the school day. Second, this policy will make scheduling adequate time to eat a priority. Third, this policy will increase nutrition education in the classrooms.
Member Steve Zimmer, LA County Department of Public Health, Venice High Student Body President Jesus Romo and local education leaders will host a lunchtime event on December 10, 2012 at Mark Twain Middle School from noon to 2 PM to champion the Improving Food and Nutrition Policy.
Press Advisory PDF
LAUSD’s Board of Education was the first in the nation to pass a Healthy Beverage Motion that eliminated the sale of sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages during the school day and last month adopted the Good Food Purchasing Pledge, which strengthens the districts commitment to buying fresh, sustainable foods. Additionally, last year the District’s Food Service Division launched a new school menu that exposed students to wide variety of healthy foods, including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Adoption of the Improving Food and Nutrition Policy will further accomplish the District’s mission to nourish children for academic success.
It takes longer to eat the whole grains, fruits and vegetables that the district is offering on the breakfast and lunch menu. As part of this policy, schools will provide students more time to eat, so the last child in line has at least 20 minutes to enjoy their healthy meals. A recent survey revealed that only 49% of elementary schools and 29% of high schools offer students enough time to eat
Included in the policy are also steps to increase student involvement in developing menus that are both nutritious and appealing to students. To give students the knowledge to build a healthy plate at school and at home, the policy also proposes to strengthen nutrition education so that students can connect the nutrition lessons taught in the classroom with what’s being served in the cafeteria.
Improving Food and Nutrition Policy PDF
For more information, please contact Ariana Oliva at 213-220-7920.
