Locavore Movement Gaining Traction in District 196

In 2010, Independent School District 196 only offered six fresh, local fruits and vegetables on the monthly menu. But by 2011, that number jumped to 21, and included unusual, adventurous items like korabi, eggplant and watercress.

Why the sudden change in the menu? School district officials say it's part of a district-wide push to beef up the nutritional value of the food served at local schools.

The district's efforts caught the eye of Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Ed Ehlinger, who visited in Eagan on March 22 to participate in the school’s monthly local lunch day.

The local lunch day is one of several initiatives the district has implemented in recent years to improve the nutritional quality of school lunches. One day a month, Woodland Elementary and other schools in the district serve a specific local food. In conjunction with the local lunch day, students are taught about the meal's ingredients.

“We want to fuel them with good food,” said Woodland principal Lisa Carlson. “Nutrition is tied to learning.”

According to district food and nutrition supervisor Barbara Griffiths, the push for healthier lunches came in 2008, when the district applied for the HealthierUS School Challenge Silver Award, which it won in 2010.

During the last four years, ISD 196 has continually improved and increased its nutrition efforts. For each meal, district schools include fresh and canned fruit, and at least one vegetable. Woodland Elementary offers orange vegetables, leafy greens and legumes each week, and, in recent years, the school has transitioned to serving entirely wheat or whole grain breads.

Parents across ISD 196 are also sent a newsletter about healthy food, to raise awareness about conscientious eating.

“What we eat and how physically active we are shapes how healthy we can be,” said Griffiths.

The district’s Food and Nutrition Services Department programs are largely funded by revenue generated by student meal purchases, state and government reimbursements for assisted lunches and profits from a la carte sales.

A small amount of funding designated for local and health-related initiatives comes from the Statewide Health Improvement Program and grant funds provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield and distributed by the Dakota County Public Health Department.

But are these efforts effective?

One "expert"—6-year-old Isaac Martin, a kindergartner at Woodland Elementary—shared his thoughts on school lunch.

“It gives me energy,” said Martin, approvingly. “It makes me healthy.”

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