I attended a great event last week hosted by DC’s Farm to School Network and OSSE that featured a variety of school food stakeholders in a discussion about increasing staff & student buy-in for healthy school food. Check out this great write-up by Andrea from DC Farm to School about a truly inspiring event.
On a bicycle tour it is easy to get absorbed into the rhythms of travel – pedal, eat, pedal, eat, sleep, eat, pedal, eat, pedal, sleep, etc. This cycle is a mesmerizing sort of existence and one tends to tune out everything besides these basic daily needs. Which is why, as I pedaled across the Arlington Memorial Bridge into our Nation’s capital, I felt as though I was riding out of a dream. After 4,000+ miles on the road I had finally reached the most important destination of the School Food Tour.
My first landmark, the Lincoln Memorial, loomed overhead as soon as I crossed the bridge. Grinning from ear to ear, with “I have arrived” echoing through my head, I stopped to absorb my surroundings (and send out a social media update) when before I knew it there was a group of foreign tourists snapping photos with me and flashing shakas. This bustle of activity set the stage for the rest of my stay in DC – meetings, tours and unexpected encounters filled my days. I’m catching up on blogging just as quickly as a girl on a bike can mange so stay tuned for many more stories and photos. Cheers ya’ll!
Washington DC’s Walker Jones Education Campus kitchen was bustling with energy when I arrived during the lunchtime rush. Students waited with dancing feet for their meals as the cafeteria staff efficiently served and approved each tray. Preparing 3 meals a day along with Pre-K and the DOD Fresh Fruits & Veg program, the kitchen is in a constant whirl of activity. Chef Allison’s passion for feeding students was obvious as we toured the facilities. She bounded from feature to feature, making sure to point out the abundance of fresh produce in their walk-in fridge.
After getting the lay of the land, I hung back and watched the magic happen. While there was much to take in, the individuals at the registers were particularly impressive. The staff knew each of the 400+ students by name and were attentive and encouraging when the young eaters expressed apprehension at trying one of the menu items.
This experience emphasized the important role that cafeteria workers play in cultivating an atmosphere of health within schools. A smile and a kind but firm word might be all one kid needs to expand his or her culinary preferences. Keep up the great work, Chef Allison & crew!
The School Food Tour 