The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program:
menus carefully, preparing food in appropriate portions, and encouraging students to take only what they will eat. Composting and recycling can also be incorporated into the program to reduce food waste in the kitchen and the cafeteria. Use reusable dishes and utensils: School nutrition programs can use reusable dishes, utensils, and cups instead of disposable ones. This can reduce waste and save money. Educate students on sustainability: Schools can educate students on the importance of sustainability and the impact of food choices on the environment. This can encourage students to make more sustainable choices and reduce their environmental impact. By incorporating sustainable practices into school nutrition programs, we can reduce our environmental impact and promote a healthier and more sustainable future. WHAT The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides several resources that school nutrition programs can utilize for sustainability efforts. Here are some examples: The Smarter Lunchrooms Movement: The Smarter Lunchrooms Movement is a program that provides evidence-based strategies to encourage students to make healthier food choices in school. The program also includes sustainability practices, such as reducing packaging waste and promoting reusable water bottles. resources are available?
The USDA’s Farm to School Program helps to connect schools with local farmers to provide healthy, fresh, and locally sourced foods in school meals. The program also includes resources on sustainability practices, such as composting and reducing food waste.
Using these USDA resources, school nutrition programs can incorporate sustainable practices into their operations and promote a healthier and more sustainable food system. Lastly, consider sharing your school’s sustainability practices with the Child Nutrition Sharing Site (CNSS). This collaboration between the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) and United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (USDA/FNS) give child nutrition professionals access to resources that support current Federal regulations, policies, and guidance. You can submit your resource for publication consideration.
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ICN Website
The Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), part of the School of Applied Sciences at The University of Mississippi, is the only federally funded national center dedicated to applied research, education and training, and technical assistance for child nutrition programs. The Institute’s mission is to provide information and services that promote the continuous improvement of child nutrition programs.
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