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Nutrition News
(Recently Updated!)
The District of Columbia Public Schools serve meals which meet or exceed the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition standards for lunch and breakfast as well as the after school snack program. The menus are also designed to incorporate the principles of the 2005 US Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These programs are supported by an on-site Registered Dietitian (RD).
Nutrition Events and Programs:
MARCH is National Nutrition Month!
Come have lunch in the cafeteria to EAT. LEARN. LIVE DELICIOUSLY and Savor the Flavor of Herbs and Spices!
Did you know… Nature created herbs and spices with a two-fold purpose- to make our favorite foods taste great and promote health and wellness. New research is showing that a spicier life may be a healthier one! Seasoning foods with herbs and spices is a great way to add flavor to foods without adding salt, sugar, and extra fats.
In schools throughout the city, we are offering a "spiced up" menu which includes new menu items like "Herbed Beef Italiano," "Orange Ginger Beef Stir-Fry," and "Curried Chicken" - made with healthy ingredients like herbs, spices, and whole grains.
In some schools, we are also hosting food sample and nutrition education tables in the cafeteria to spread our nutrition knowledge! Check out the resources below. If you are interested in hosting a food and nutrition education table, contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 202-576-7400. And be sure to try March's flavor-charged menu items, all seasoned up with super herbs and spices!
Nutrition Resources
USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
The 2010-2011 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
enrollment process is underway!
The Program is open to all elementary schools, though schools with high economic need will be given preference in the selection process. Check back next week for more information and the application.
View March's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Menu here.
Check out some educational handouts for carrots (educator, community, and family handouts) and cucumbers (educator and family handouts),
from California's Harvest of the Month Website.
Other useful links: USDA's FFVP Website, PBS' Produce for Kids, Keany Produce (supplier for the FFVP, *and now all meals* in DCPS), Wisconson's FFVP Website, USDA's Nutrition Through the Seasons
Nutrition Education Materials and Resources
Cultural Education Materials
Chartwells' partner in DC Public Schools is Thompson Hospitality, one of the nation's largest minority-owned businesses. Each month, Thompson Hospitality provides a collection of education materials that focus on our shared cultural heritage.
March:
Breakfast is vital for students wanting to make the most of their day, especially when it comes to learning in the classroom. Study after study indicates that a good breakfast increases student performance — intellectually, physically and emotionally. This month's materials look at how breakfast is eaten in different countries and the importance of fueling up as a healthy start to each day.
Breakfast Word Search (Grades K - 6)
Word on Food: Breakfast
Cooking with Fire (Grades 7 - 12)
10-Minute Lessons: Free to DCPS Teachers and Staff!
Looking for a short lesson to share with your students? Check out the Chartwells 10-Minute Lessons, developed by registered dietitians and designed to link the lunchroom to the classroom. View and dowload the lesson here.
A local, non-profit organization of community members, parents, and administrators, advocating for fresh, local produce to be served in school meals.
DC's Farm to School Webpage.
DCPS Wellness Policy
The DCPS Wellness Policy applies to all schools and includes guidelines for snacks and meals offered and sold at school, nutrition education, and physical activity. DCPS Food Services strives to adhere to all aspects of the Wellness Policy in an effort to maintain and promote student and school wellness.
DCPS Wellness Policy
Balanced Choices®
The Chartwells School Dining Services award-winning comprehensive wellness program, Balanced Choices, educates and encourages students to incorporate healthy foods and physical activity into their day.
Other helpful nutrition related Web sites:
Action For Healthy Kids
www.actionforhealthykids.com
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
HealthierUS
www.healthierus.gov
KidsHealth
www.kidshealth.com
My Pyramid
http://www.mypyramid.gov/
National Lunch and Breakfast Program
www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/lunch/
United States Department of Agriculture
www.usda.com
 
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