Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115134

Kate MacKenzie, MS, RD, Food and Nutrition Services, FoodChange, 39 Broadway, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10006, 212-894-8094 ext 8333, kmackenzie@cfrcnyc.org

In New York City (NYC), rates of childhood overweight far exceed the national rates. 43% of NYC children ages 6-11 are overweight, versus 16% nationwide. Given the potential health consequences of this, turning this issue around is crucial. NYC serves as the largest school district in the nation, with over 1200 public schools and more than 800,000 meals served a day. FoodChange created a public private partnership, the SchoolFood Plus Initiative, to improve the eating habits, health and academic performance of youth who are within the reach of the NYC school meals program. Partners include city and state agencies and Columbia University. Together, the partnership focuses on three directions. With respect to institutional change, efforts are being made to procure more wholesome, regional foods to replace processed foods of inferior nutritional quality. Food service staff receives training on the preparation and cooking of these foods, enabling staff to expand their cooking skills and develop an appreciation for the impact foods served in the cafeteria can have on student health and academic performance. A tiered approach to school-based programming allows schools to complete a school-wide assessment based on the School Health Index, and take on the variety of offered programs based on their institutional capacity. These programs range from an intense, theory-grounded nutrition education curriculum, involving the school cafeterias to increase student exposure to nutritious foods, school-wide organizing, and an adult focused nutrition education program. Finally, the entire initiative is supported through various coalitions involving students, parents, community members and organizations.

At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to: 1. Gain an understanding of the SchoolFood Plus Initiative; 2. Recognize the need for multi-dimensional approaches to assist school communities in improving the eating habits, health, and academic performance of youth. 3. Apply the principles of SchoolFood Plus Initiative to plan and implement effective health and nutrition education activities and interventions in the schools in their community.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of the SchoolFood Plus Initiative;
• Recognize the need for multi-dimensional approaches to assist school communities in improving the eating habits, health, and academic performance of youth.
• Apply the principles of SchoolFood Plus Initiative to plan and implement effective health and nutrition education activities and interventions in the schools in your community.

Keywords: Food and Nutrition, School-Based Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.