SHIP stories
The Statewide Health Improvement Program
(SHIP) works to improve health through better
nutrition, increased physical activity and
decreased commercial tobacco use and exposure.
Schools are a key area in which SHIP works to
improve health through better nutition. As of June
2011:
•
Across Minnesota, more than 360 schools
and 22 school districts, serving more than
200,000 students, are increasing access to
local produce with Farm to School.
Breckenridge High School thinks
sustainability
At Breckenridge High School, located just west of
Fergus Falls, Student Council members got their hands
dirty in May 2011 in a good way. They planted 33
trees to make a fruit orchard on school grounds to
provide fresh apples, plums, cherry plums, apricots and
cherries to their fellow students.
School gardens are one way to teach children about
agriculture, nutrition, and taking responsibility, all while
increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables at
the school. An on-site orchard at Breckenridge High
School is a creative, innovative way to do just that long
into the future.
“The student council created a legacy of their own in
planting a fruit orchard for the Breckenridge School
Districts,” said Superintendent Rick Bleichner. “It’s one
they can come back to in five, 10, or 15 years and say,
‘I was a part of that.’”
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/oshii
Nutrition staff also thought in terms of lasting
investments in nutrition. Statewide Health Improvement
Program funds were used to upgrade kitchen
equipment, with the school purchasing a steamer
to offer a greater variety of fruits and vegetables
prepared in a healthy, kid-friendly way.
By thinking long-term, the Breckenridge High School
and the Student Council have planted the seeds for
better nutrition not just for this year’s class, but for
many years to come.
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SHIP works with communities across Minnesota to help
create real, sustainable health improvement. Find out
how at www.health.state.mn.us/ship