Summer Increases Food Insecurity for Many Children
NutritionMillions of children in America rely on free or reduced-priced school breakfast and lunch to meet the majority of their nutritional needs. During the summer, when schools are closed, many struggle to find adequate nourishment. Feeding America's Summer Food Program attempts to meet the needs of these children through community-based meal programs and food banks. About 70 of the food banks in Feeding America's nationwide network participate, reaching about 300,000 youngsters. But that's a tiny fraction of the number...
SAGE Organic Garden at Pine Crest School
Nutrition, Sustainability, GardensIf you know anything about SAGE, you know that our organic garden at Pine Crest School in Boca Raton, FL, is a thing of beauty and something of which we are immensely proud. Don Janezic, SAGE's Food Service Director at Pine Crest, lavishes attention on the soil, the plants and the compost that enriches them. The garden -- which recently won third place in its category in the Florida School Garden Competition -- isn't just a source of wonderful...
Food for Thought at 'Future' Conference
Nutrition, SustainabilityThere was an incredible amount of brain power at the May 4 "Future of Food" conference at Georgetown University. (Watch video of the speakers here.) Some of the world's most important thinkers on the subject of food politics -- including Marion Nestle, Eric Schlosser, Will Allen and Vandana Shiva, not to mention the Prince of Wales -- shared (all too briefly, in my opinion) their thoughts on what we need to do to revolutionize our domestic and global food...
More Education Needed on Food Allergies
NutritionFood allergies are making news. A peanut allergy issue at a school in Florida prompted a leading organization, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), to reinforce the importance of education. Food allergies are life-threatening for some, but proper planning coupled with education allows all students a chance to eat safe, wholesome meals at school. SAGE's food allergy policy and education materials are based on information from FAAN. Earlier this month, the newest managers at SAGE spent time discussing food...
Nutrition Presentation at Laurel School
NutritionLast week, I visited the Laurel School, a girls' school in Cleveland, OH. SAGE's Food Service Director has been working hard to put together an event for the students that combines food sourcing, menu creation and good nutrition – something SAGE knows a thing or two about! The main event, on April 7, will be a food expo of local vendors. My contribution to the program was a presentation focused on basic nutrition and SAGE's Spotlight program. I also reviewed...
Heart-Healthy Tips for the Whole Family
NutritionFebruary is American Heart Month, which makes it a great time to focus on heart-healthy choices. Here are a few ways to encourage healthy habits in children, adapted from the American Heart Association's website. Check back for more tips later in the week! * Be a positive role model. If you're practicing healthy habits, it's a lot easier to convince children to do the same. * Get the whole family moving. Take walks, ride bikes, swim, garden or play outside...