District Honored for Nutrition Practices

The Ohio Department of Education recently awarded the district the Stellar Award for Best Nutrition Practices as recognition that the Nutrition Services Department follows policies that reflect best practices for a healthy nutrition environment for students.

 The award focuses on the entire spectrum of healthy choices for the students from strict nutritional guidelines adhered to in the breakfasts and lunches served to the healthy choices available in district vending machines to wellness programs promoted throughout the district and Recreation Dept. such as Jump Rope for Heart, DARE basketball and a plethora of Rec Dept. active classes.

Based on written award nominations, the ODE selected recipients based on their efforts to adopt the following USDA guidelines for local school wellness policies:

 ·         The nutritional quality of meals served, including purchasing and preparation practices that reflect the National Dietary Guidelines;

• The extent to which a la carte and vending items contain healthy choices;
• Access to continuing education and training opportunities for food service staff members;
• Success in providing a pleasant eating environment for students; and
• Nutritional education aimed at students, staff, parents and the community through marketing programs and activities; for example, using alternatives to candy when rewarding children for good behavior or academic performance

Nutrition Services Supervisor Nancy Early – a registered dietician – has worked hard over the last several years to remove the barriers to healthy eating in the district's schools. Deep fryers have been removed, carbonated beverages eliminated from vending machines and the level of total fat and saturated fat reduced in the food that is served our students. Those efforts have now paid off with recognition from the State that Lakewood is among the leaders for school districts in best nutrition practices