Food for Thought Summer 2022

state agency HAPPENINGS

BY ASHLEY HELLER SCHOOL NUTRITION SPECIALIST INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

2022 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program School of the Year

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), Office of School and Community Nutrition (SCN) loves to take the time to celebrate YOU and your schools! We know that everyone has been going above and beyond over the past couple of years, and we love when we can showcase the amazing work different schools and individuals have been doing. As we head into the summer months and the school year ends, do not forget to take the time to reflect on the amazing accomplishments and achievements that you, your team, and your school have made for your students. Every meal and every smile you have served up to students has made a difference in their lives. Thank you again for all that you do, and we cannot wait to see how you continue to build your programs this summer, next school year, and beyond!

For the fifth year, IDOE is providing formal recognition to a school participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) that provides outstanding service to students. IDOE is thrilled to announce that the winner is Franklin Elementary School within the School City of Hammond school district. Franklin Elementary will receive $250 from Piazza Produce to purchase FFVP promotional materials and/or nutrition education materials. They will also receive aprons printed with the FFVP School of the Year logo from IDOE. Franklin Elementary students got to try minneolas, seckel pears, rainbow cauliflower, rainbow carrots, and more! Food Service Director of School City of Hammond, Christine Clarahan, stated that “the teamwork at Franklin [Elementary] has been incredible! The staff’s responses to the program are a huge testament to their dedication to see the program through and have it be presented/ used in the way that the USDA intended it to be. Both staff members and parents have commented on the positive experiences that students have had with the program.” A Ball State dietetics intern created multiple handouts for teachers to use to facilitate FFVP lessons at the school, and Purdue University Northwest also did nutrition education lessons for the students. The principal from Franklin Elementary even commented, “This is a great program that I hope we can keep - the kids really enjoy it!” Congratulations Franklin Elementary!