Cafeteria Chronicles: Amana Academy North Fulton (Alpharetta, GA)
Nutrition education can bridge the gap between classroom and the lunchroom.
For the nutrition team or “NuCrew” at Amana Academy North Fulton in Alpharetta, GA, funding from the Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) grant allowed for more storage of fresh produce, better staffing and updated equipment. These improvements led to a collection of healthier meal options for students at lunch. When it came time to communicate with the school community about the changes, the district developed engaging nutrition education activities to get the message across.
At the district’s annual School Nutrition Expo, parents are invited during back-to-school time to learn about the school meal program. During the interactive Q&A session, parents can ask about menu items, dietary accommodations, and ways to encourage eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains at home. The event has been a huge success, with over 350 parents and guardians in attendance that report feeling empowered to make healthy meals choices for students at home.
Another event the district hosts annually called “Taste of Amana” invites families and students to sample menu items for the upcoming school year. As attendees sample recipes like Chicken Shawarma and Veggie Stir Fry Cups, signage highlights ingredients like whole grains, low sodium seasonings and fresh produce featured in the recipes. The event is mutually beneficial, giving the district real time feedback on new menu items and attendees a voice in shaping what ends up on the school lunch menu.
See Amana Academy’s nutrition program transformation:
Throughout the school year, Amana Academy hosts other taste-tests for students. Recipes like Roasted Chickpeas, Baked Sweet Potato Snacks and Rice Bowls have been sampled while students engage in Q&A sessions, play interactive trivia and rate the recipes with colorful tokens. Keeping students engaged while learning about nutrition has brought the classroom and lunchroom together at Amana Academy. As a result of their engaging nutrition education, the district earned the Innovation in Nutrition Education Award, as part of the Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Recognition Awards, on behalf of the USDA and Action for Healthy Kids.
Congrats to the team at Amana Academy North Fulton for leading the way in school nutrition!
Stay tuned for more Cafeteria Chronicles stories from school districts nationwide. Check out our Cafeteria Chronicles Blog for more inspiring school nutrition transformations!
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This material is based upon work that is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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