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:
• In collaboration with the MDH program
Great Trays, school nutrition staff from 75
percent of eligible districts throughout the
state have been trained in menu planning
and procurement strategies to serve healthy
meals.
Bold and sustainable changes for
nutrition at Dakota County schools
According to a school staff person, a second grader
went into the office to use his inhaler before his
physical education class. “He said to me while he was
here: ‘I’m trying to eat a lot of fruits to stay healthy.
My favorite fruits are pears, strawberries, oranges and
apples.”
Providing better nutrition to that child and others
like him has been a focus for nine school districts
in Dakota County. Since SHIP began in 2009, 97
buildings serving over 72,000 students have made
bold and sustainable changes increasing healthy
food and decreased unhealthy food. Now there are
healthier options in school breakfast and lunch, snacks,
vending machines and school stores. Many schools and
classrooms are using healthy food or non-food items
for rewards, celebrations, and fundraisers, and some
schools sell only healthy beverages, such as water, 100
percent fruit juice or milk, in their vending machines.
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/oshii
Students are onboard. One district estimates a 25
percent increase in fruits and vegetables sold to
students, and there has been an increase in breakfast
and lunch participation of as much as 30 percent. The
changes are popular with parents, also. Survey results
show that parents generally support healthy nutrition
changes. As one parent states, “I am very pleased that
the school district is addressing student wellness issues.
It’s not only important for their learning, but also for
their entire whole person development. I believe it is
the school’s responsibility to foster a premium positive
health environment through education, outreach and
role modeling.”
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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