Statewide Actions
Two Statewide approaches that can have a profound impact upon school foods are:

1. Governor's Model School Food Policy, and
2. A Legislative Resolution

Neither legislate, both educate, set a standard and provide endorsement.

A Governor's Model School Food Policy is an effort made directly by the governor's office to encourage healthy eating in schools. Typical models might ask that soda and junk foods are removed from campuses, or that all foods meet the recommendations set out in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They sometimes include a plant-based emphasis, but generally you will have to do alot of lobbying to include items such as a whole grain emphasis, daily vegetarian options and fresh fruit and vegetable programs (including salad bars and farm-to-school delivery systems).

Model Food Policy's are timely in that all schools will soon be asked to develop their own food policies. As they do, many will mirror the recommendations made at the state level.

Healthy School Lunch resolutions differ in that you have greater input into their content. For example, many states have efforts already underway to limit soda and junk foods sales, but there is often little emphasis on healthy, fresh plant foods. Healthy School Lunch resolutions in Hawaii, California, and New York emphasize these important foods and also request schools to provide daily vegetarian options.

Both of these efforts have the added benefit of gaining endorsements and support from important organizations. Typical supporters include major health groups such as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer society; educational organizations such as the PTA and Student Council Associations; diverse religious and ethnic populations, and grassroots vegetarian and environmental organizations.

If you are interested in starting a statewide effort, please contact CHOICE. We can help you by providing presentation materials, putting you in touch with others who have been successful in these arenas, and possibly providing small grants to assist with your efforts.

 

Effecting Change
Overview | How to Begin | Know Your Audience
Build A Team | Actions | Support