- Cycling rates are on the upswing! An encouraging article at Governing.com about the rise in bicycles’ popularity. The author points out the need to view bikes as a means of active transportation and not simply a form of recreation (though they are fabulously fun to ride too – bonus!).
- Childhood obesity prevention in the Southeast – A new campaign aims to “prevent childhood obesity in low-income communities across the southeast”. This program will focus on promoting healthy eating and physical activity in schools and communities. It will use “students as mentors” and encourage youth to share what they learned at school with their family. The southeast is in great need of more programs such as this – I am excited to bring the School Food Tour to this region.
- Recipes for Healthy Kids contest – Entries to this USDA competition are due on December 30. Supported by Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, this program is designed to “introduce exciting new recipes into the National School Lunch Program”. Each category’s top scoring recipes will be published in a cookbook for students and families.
Health
News Tidbits: Young Leaders & School Food Myths
The Washington Post published an interesting piece that describes 5 Myths About School Food. This article discusses how the recent Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) bill affects National School Lunch Programs. Importantly, it highlights challenges that healthy kids advocates still face. The passage of CNR is an encouraging step as we work towards equitable access to wholesome food for all youth but there is still tremendous work ahead.
I was also forwarded this inspirational story about young food system leaders in Boston. High school and college students, “the backbone of the Slow Food movement”, serve as active members that bring a “freshness, an energy, an optimism and creative spark” to the organization.
My ‘Aha!’ Moment – The genesis of the School Food Tour
It truly was a moment of epiphany. My silly siberian husky Grizwald and I were out for our daily trail run along Central Oregon’s spectacular Deschutes River. Our customary hour of active repose had become a integral component in managing the frustrations that accompany a new graduate’s job search. As we bounded over lava rock with our focus on the rough trail ahead I began to ponder how I could create a job for myself. I wanted to integrate my passions into a cohesive initiative. Health. Bikes. Good food. Sustainability. Youth. Community.
I could do a bike tour? Nah, too selfish… What if I rode for a cause? It’s been done… How about a bike tour for a cause that engages youth in conversations about healthy living? And then the lightbulb switched on and the gears began to turn….
The journey has begun!
The School Food Tour 