What a great final day of SFT programming at CLK Elementary school! Here is Mrs. Kinnunen, a Kindergarden teacher and healthy living advocate, explaining the school’s efforts to encourage students to explore the world through Living, Learning and Loving their hometown.
And some photos from the day:
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
The School Food Tour arrived safely in Houghton, Michigan last Friday, May 11th!
72 students from Houghton Middle School and High School pedaled with me along my “Final Mile”. It was a fantastic turnout complete with healthy snacks and an enthusiastic crowd. Stay tuned for updates as I make my rounds through the many local schools this week.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
I’ll be pedaling the final mile in Houghton at 1 p.m. today with 50+ students & supporters. Visit the School Food Tour Facebook page for photos and updates throughout the day.
Thank you for your support throughout this fantastic journey!!
-Sara
Posted in SFT
The shores of Lake Huron
One week from today, on Friday, May 11th, the School Food Tour will be complete! As I take a day in Mackinaw City to rest my weary body and my on-the-verge-of-stress-fracturing feet, my feelings waver between relief and nostalgia, and I am doing my best to savor the last few days of life on the road.
A whirlwind of activity awaits my arrival in the Keweenaw. Here’s a quick overview of the happenings up North:
For media inquiries, please email requests to sara.salo.mph (at) gmail.com
Posted in SFT
Tagged Houghton, Keweenaw, Keweenaw Peninsula, Mackinaw City Michigan, Michigan
I was initially unsure what my time in Washington, DC would bring – there were promises of meetings with lawmakers but knowing the unpredictability of politics I kept my options open. However as soon as I arrived, the bustling energy of the city swept me along and gave me the confidence to share what I had learned pedaling across the country with anyone who would listen. Luckily for me, I have friends in high places, and scored a series of great meetings for my day on The Hill.
Excited!
It is not often that a girl living on her bike has the opportunity to don heels and meet with legislators in the halls of Congress. I felt as though I was living a dream as security agents verified my ID and wrote down my computer’s serial number at the US Department of Agriculture. After passing through multiple layers of waiting rooms I found myself perched atop a fancy couch stealthily taking photos of the magnificent room. Before long a secretary escorted me straight into the office of USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan.
A hug rather than a formal handshake greeted me and I instantly felt at ease. Deputy Merrigan was interested in hearing about the Tour and the folks who I have met along the ride. We chatted about the importance of Farm to School programming and the need for a policy that allows more in-depth connections from seed to cafeteria. Deborah Kane, formerly of the Ecotrust in Portland and now Director of Farm to School for the USDA, caught wind of the meeting and popped in for a few minutes of conversation. I did my best to absorb every detail before Deputy Merrigan was promptly whisked off to her next meeting – the announcement of $3.5 mil of Farm to School grants! Yay!
The most heartening take-away for me was that SHE GETS IT. Someone in charge who understands the importance of wholesome food for young minds and bodies is doing her very best to create change. I thank Deputy Merrigan, Deb Kane and the USDA for their kind hospitality for a weary but excited traveler.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Posted in SFT
Tagged Ecotrust, Farm to School, Kathleen Merrigan, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington DC
The School Food Tour is a 5,000+ mile self-supported bicycle tour promoting healthy eating and cycling for both transportation and recreation.
Sara, the School Food 'Spokes'woman, hopes to inspire and energize students and communities to create healthier school environments that support student wellness. She will be conducting engaging classroom sessions, community outreach and group bike rides all across the country.
Current location: Almost to the UP
Next up: Houghton, MI
Mileage count: 4,801.55 miles
here to help with Tour expenses.
Sara is pedaling as a 
athlete. Visit her athlete page to join her in the fight against cancer.
Thank you for your support!
