The lunchroom at Palmer Elementary School in Grand Rapids Michigan has been selling more fruits and vegetables than ever before with the help of Michigan State University (MSU) Extension staff and health educators. The school began by conducting a Smarter Lunchroom assessment. The food service staff and the MSU Extension staff then came up with a plan of action regarding what changes needed to be made in the lunchroom. Palmer Elementary also hosted a workshop for the food service staff about Smarter Lunchroom practices. A food service staff member was named the Smarter Lunchroom Coach and worked to direct and maintain the changes and provide follow-up to the MSU Extension staff. After the Smarter Lunchrooms program was implemented at Palmer Elementary, students made healthier choices more often, choosing more fruits and vegetables with their meals.
More from this Michigan Team Nutrition Smarter Lunchroom Moves Success Story Compendium:
- Smarter, Brighter, and More Inviting Salad Bars
- Partnerships Create Culture of Health
- Partner to Power Smarter Lunchrooms
- School Gardens Engage Students
- Smarter Lunchroom Moves that Work
- Smarter Lunchroom Student Teams
- Student Input Fuels Participation
Contributor
Nicholas Drzal, RD, MPH, Michigan Department of Education
For more information, contact Amy Klinkoski, Asst. Food Service Director, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Michigan