As part of the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs 2022 Summit, JSI is excited to showcase SWITCH and their resources to support School Meal Programs in School Year 2022-2023.
SWITCH engages and supports school nutrition programs by supporting and advancing wellness efforts for Massachusetts students, schools and communities. The SWITCH Movement strives to create a school wellness environment that supports the whole child. Here are the top 3 resources shared by SWITCH to help school districts in the upcoming school year.
1. Using the Cafeteria as a Learning Space: The cafeteria presents many opportunities for nutrition education and promotion. Regardless of space or size, the cafeteria is a hub for school meals, socialization, and education!
2. Taste Tests in Schools: Taste tests are a great way for children to utilize their five senses and explore new foods. Taste tests can be conducted in the cafeteria, classroom, or integrated into different subjects to enhance an academic lesson. When children understand the origin of the food they are consuming, they are more likely to try it!
3. Nutrition, Wellness and Academics: In 2010, Massachusetts legislature also passed An Act Relative to School Nutrition, which requires the establishment of a School Wellness Advisory Committee in every district. School Wellness Committee meetings are a great opportunity to engage families, teachers, students, and the community.
For more information or to connect with SWITCH kindly email Nicole.Good@mass.gov. Be sure to connect on social media via Facebook @MASchlWellness and Twitter @MASchlWellness.
Fun Fact…In our countdown to the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs 2022 Summit on May 24, we asked each partner to share which session they were most excited about. SWITCH picked the Succeeding Through Failure – Keynote session because they find that failure leads to change, growth and positive outcomes. They are looking forward to learning how to use failure to fuel success.
