HISD observes National Nutrition Month with new promotions, expanded programs

March is National Nutrition Month, and HISD’s Food Services Department has been celebrating with new promotions, expanded programming, and even an appearance on the national stage.

Here are just a few of the highlights so far:

  • Expansion of the Dinner Meals Program—This partnership with the district’s Twenty-First Century Community Learning Center program enables students at more than 30 schools to receive a free, hot and well-balanced meal at the end of the day.
  • Campus visits—During nutrition education programs and assemblies across the district, students learn the importance of eating fruits, vegetables and whole-grain items, such as those served daily throughout HISD.
  • Marketplace Café promotions—Certified dieticians were on hand at the cafeteria in the district’s headquarters this week to provide nutritional information and answer visitors’ questions. Patrons who purchased “Dietician’s Picks” off the menu were entered into a random drawing for prizes.
  • Great American School Lunch Challenge—HISD was one of only two school districts selected to compete in this “Iron Chef”-style competition in Washington, D.C. Using suggestions from students at the Gregory-Lincoln Education Center, Team HISD whipped up a healthy roasted chicken and vegetable burrito, with a side of peach cornbread topped with whipped vanilla yogurt.

“HISD Food Services strives to not only provide students access to healthy meals but also educate them on the importance of a well-balanced nutrition, good eating habits, and staying active,” said HISD Food Services Senior Administrator Brian Giles. 

The annual National Nutrition Month campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

Take a behind the scenes tour of the HISD Food Services Facility
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/53975431]

Board President Anna Eastman talks with Food Services Administrator Brian Giles during her monthly TV program.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/62163041]

HISD competes with Food Network Star Anne Burrell in the Great American School Lunch Challenge.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YyHvgTkbC8&w=430&h=242]