“I have found authentic connection has been the foundation of sustained success and growth within an organization.”
Society prioritizes the relationships among people, as human capital is an asset for any organization. Programs often lose momentum when the human connection has not been prioritized. For a program to continue, excitement for change and stakeholder buy- in is paramount. For example, SVVSD’s Garden to Cafeteria literally and figuratively died. I recognized the potential of the program and reached out to administrators, Operations department, teachers, and parents for support in addressing the barriers for a thriving garden program. After conducting an informal needs assessment, it was determined that gardens died because the care usually fell on one teacher or parent. When the student moved on or the teacher retired, there were no contingencies in place to keep the work going. I realized the work must be deeply rooted into the curriculum, as well as making sure to align the gardens with work schools were already doing. It’s about connecting the dots and building trust within those relationships. Takeaways on how your organization can approach social sustainability Identify the opportunity for growth as to why a program has been failing. Acknowledge the good works you are already doing. Understand the internal/external resources you have. Find those stakeholders who are your champions who believe in your mission/vision. Connect work into the curriculum to support local policies.
When I first began my work within School Wellness, I did not fully understand its connection to the school nutrition world. My passions had always been “connecting the dots” with people, resources, and programs; however, I could not make the connection between wellness and nutrition; that is, until I looked through a strategic and sustainability lens. School Wellness has been a part of Nutrition Services within St. Vrain Valley Schools (SVVD) since 2015. USDA School Wellness mandates are in support of programming which help students increase physical activity and reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions. The SVVSD’s School Wellness program is supported by an actionable framework through our Board of Education backed Local Wellness Policy (LWP). Some of these items include encouraging schools to adopt recess before lunch, movement breaks in the classroom, reducing food waste and active transportation to and from school. Now, I bet you are wondering what does School Wellness have to do with a foodservice operation and its sustainability? Axillary programs such as School Wellness and Farm to School help drive the vision of your organization and network its longevity. Sustainability, in my belief, is making sure something (whatever your something) is able to continue long after you leave it. It’s as simple and complicated as that, and school food service has a myriad of layers. I have found authentic connection has been the foundation of sustained success and growth within an organization.
Leverage Professional Development and Work study Opportunities for staff and students.
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