The Golden Carrot for School Lunch Programs

The Golden Carrot for School Lunch Programs

Nutrition in schools is big business. With approximately 15% of our population under the age of 18, and the majority of those children eating at least one meal and a snack away from home ... schools have become restaurants as well as educators. The social impact of school lunch programs is enormous. Not only is the health of the children at stake, but the long arm of food production is affected by which foods are selected and how they are prepared. Both processes can affect the sustainability of our communities and natural resources.

Take a look at these two case studies, these two award winning school nutrition programs in California and think about how school nutrition programs can support local organic food systems, high efficiency cooling and food prep equipment, and the health care system that benefits from healthy families.

The Golden Carrot Awards for Healthy School Lunches

The Golden Carrot Awards presented by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine go to food service professionals who approach child nutrition in an innovative way that encourages children to eat more healthfully. The winning programs feature low-fat meals; encourage kids to eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; provide vegetarian or vegan menu items; respect cultural diversity; offer non-dairy alternatives, and foster community partnerships.