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.
The Statewide Health
Improvement Program (SHIP)
works to improve health through
better nutrition in Minnesota schools. 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.
Local Produce Double-liciously
Nutritious!
“We were somewhat worried,” commented Peggy Hill,
Dietary Manager at Dawson-Boyd. After the 2010
Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released, the
food service staff at Dawson-Boyd thought they would
need to send kids back through food line because kids
wouldn’t take enough fruits and veggies.
The students proved otherwise.
With the help of Farm to School, students at DawsonBoyd not only met the new dietary guidelines, they
dramatically increased their fruit and veggies.
“Because of Farm to School, students had so many
more options to find a fruit or veggie that they actually
doubled their fruits and veggies,” shared Peggy.
“Farm to School has provided us with more veggies so
we could revamp recipes and add veggies into more
entrée items.”
Beyond increasing access and consumption of fruits and
veggies, the students at Dawson-Boyd also received
an educational nutrition experience. “Our K-6 students
really come away with a lot because they were able
8/2012
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/oshii
to meet the people.” During one occasion, a grower
came in during lunchtime and explained to students
how she grew the veggies. On other occasions, students
were able to go on farm visits and pick fresh produce.
“Our 6th graders went and picked sweet corn at a
local farm and then served it at school the next day,”
commented Peggy. “Students have had the opportunity
to learn and try new foods. Take spinach for instance,
at first, no one wanted to eat the spinach. Now we
have kids who go through the line and they always
take it.”
“We’ll continue to use the Farm to School program as
long as we can…. It would be foolish not to continue
it,” concluded Peggy.
***
SHIP is working to make the healthy choice the easy
choice in Minnesota. Find out how at
www.health.state.mn.us/ship