Summer is for recharging, reconnecting and relaxing. For Coeur d’Alene School District students, it’s also for refueling.
School meals don’t take the summer off in Coeur d’Alene Schools, and the child nutrition team is working hard to build healthier habits in its youngest students this summer by offering free meals to students through the USDA Summer Foodservice Program. Breakfast and lunch are available Monday through Friday until Aug. 16 at Lakes Middle School, Northwest Expedition Academy and Winton Elementary School.
With childhood obesity rates surging, and research indicating that poor eating habits start young and are hard to change into adulthood, Coeur d’Alene Schools’ child nutrition team understands the important role they have in providing fresh, healthy meals all year-long.
The district’s food service partner, Southwest Food Service Excellence (SFE), serves meals to district students year-round.Savannah Box, SFE General Manager, said the summer meal programs have been popular with hundreds of children.
“Ensuring our students have access to healthy, delicious meals during the summer is so important in fueling them for success all year,” said Box. “Our team truly cares about these kids and gives them exciting options at mealtime. It’s truly a labor of love.”
SFE partners with Super 1 Foods and Green Bluff Growers in Spokane to find locally sourced products to serve to kids. Peaches are in season and proving to be popular with students.
One secret ingredient for the program’s success is the collaboration between the district, SFE, and the University of Idaho.
Sandy Johnson, a U of I Extension Educator who focuses on nutrition, health promotion and wellness, serves as the Eat Smart Idaho administrator for the state’s northern district. “We’re able to provide nutrition education in the classroom and cafeteria,” Johnson said.
The goal is to change long-term dietary habits by promoting locally sourced fruits and vegetables through a program called Healthy Harvest.
“Our goal is to promote healthy food options. Kids are more apt to try new foods, healthier foods in an exciting environment.”