In 2009, Maplewood Richmond Heights School District (MRH) kicked off the Healthy Eating with Local Produce (HELP) program through a grant and partnership with nearby Saint Louis University (SLU), the Missouri Farmers’ Union, and Sappington Farmers Market.
Thanks to HELP, the school cafeterias are serving more locally grown, fresh produce and scratch prepared meals. Menus feature a seasonal Fruit or Vegetable of the Month, and Fancy Fridays introduce students to delicious dishes like homemade Pork Roast with Gravy, Savory Bread Stuffing, and sides of Balsamic Roasted Cauliflower and Clementine.
Lessons on healthy food choices are part of the MRH curriculum too. All schools have gardens to educate students about nature, life cycles and nutrition. Students learn about farmers in their community, and each month a new Guest Chef teaches them about new foods and preparation methods. High school students participating in Team Cuisine learn culinary skills at SLU over the summer and assist the school nutrition staff in the cafeteria during the school year.
The district has also cut back on unhealthy choices in vending machines and school fundraisers. To find out more about HELP, visit http://www.mrhsd.org/programs/healthy-foods.
I like what you have done and cutting back on unhealthy choices in vending and school fundraisers is a great idea.
hey wheres every one else
I WANT SOME MEXIAN FOOD That is the only good food All the rest is bad i ffel that the school thinks we are Prisoners And get food like we are BUT WERE NOT i think we should have real food i n our school
I worked in the schools and was shocked to see the garbage that was served to these students. It’s sick! The same budget to make the cheap quality lunches can be used to make something nutritional, delicious and safe. Our kids are being fed garbage and than expected to function properly? Lets be real and revamp this ongoing mistake. On top of it, their should be a seperate cafeteria for those children with severe enough allergies that could send them to the hospitol or even possibly turn into a tragedy. PTA mothers, get on board and advocate. You have the power to make changes. Until then don’t buy school lunches. Send your children with the appropriate foods along with reserve snacks that should be kept in the school for the just in case times they forget to bring their lunches.