Plan School-K12/Empty Calories
Best Practice Strategies:
In 2017 the Greater Richmond Coalition for Healthy Children partners collaborated with the community members and the Director of School Nutrition in Richmond Public Schools to begin the work of transforming the breakfast menu for all elementary school students. As of the 2018-19 school year, Richmond Public School Elementary students have more savory breakfast items to choose from, and a reduced selection of sugary items. Pop-tarts, donuts, and flavored milk were removed from the breakfast menu and have been replaced with boiled eggs, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
Collective Impact & Important Partnerships
As the coalition continues to build and launch their Parent Council, a group to empower and equip parents and community members to advocate for policies that reduce childhood obesity, they have found that collaboration with community groups to gather input on the curriculum, recruitment strategies and policy initiatives has been critical to have a long and lasting impact in Richmond.
Agency Partner:
Greater Richmond Coalition of Health Children
Testimonials
“Teachers have reported that students are ‘less hyper’ in class in the morning because they are getting less sugar—also, cafeteria staff are pleased to offer healthier items.”
Justine Blincoe, Policy Director at Fit4Kids, on the coalition’s initiative to reduce sugary items from the breakfast menu in Richmond Public Schools.
“Students love the new savory breakfast options, in fact boiled eggs have been more popular than even cereal!”
Justine Blincoe, Policy Director at Fit4Kids, on the coalition’s initiative to reduce sugary items from the breakfast menu in Richmond Public Schools.