As schools nationwide celebrate their school lunch programs this week, School District U46 announced a new contest and shared some of its meal program successes.
The school lunch contest, titled “Recipes for Success,” intends to get third-through-twelfth graders talking and thinking about holistic approaches to wellness and a healthier lifestyle, according to a district news release.
“School lunches are healthier than ever, with more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less fat and sodium,” said Claudie Phillips, U46’s director of food and nutrition services. “National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the benefits of our lunch program, and the appealing choices we offer.”
The contests will vary by grade levels, the district said. At the elementary schools, students who participate in their youth advisory councils will be asked to create their own recipe using popular food items served at their schools. At the middle school level, participating students will be asked to come up with a “recipe for success,” a path to a well-balanced, well-rounded life where one incorporates physical activity, emotional well-being and academic achievement. And at the high school level, participating students will also come up with their own “recipe for success.”
According to the news release, students must submit their entries to their school’s cafeteria manager at the end of October, with judging taking place in November, gift cards being awarded to the top three finishers just before winter break, and the top entry winning an iPad Mini toward the end of the school year.
District U46 also shared recognition for some of its schools for their meal programs. Last spring, Oakhill Elementary School in Streamwood and Abbott Middle School in Elgin were recognized by the district for their student well-being programs. Highland Elementary in Elgin, meanwhile, has been nominated to receive the award in May 2018.
Earlier this year, the University of Illinois Extension’s Illinois Nutrition Education Programs awarded gold status to Streamwood High School, Elgin High School, Bartlett High School, South Elgin High School and Ellis Middle School for their work in promoting their school meal programs.
Some of these schools, noted Phillips, enjoy active youth advisory councils in which student members serve as the “kids voice.” According to the news release, these students are invited to evaluate cafeteria offerings, recommend menu changes, and speak and attend events with food industry leaders. The district has said many of these students have shown great interest being involved and having a say in what foods go to their cafeterias.