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School Lunch Goes Green

FOR MANY PEOPLE, THE THOUGHT OF SCHOOL LUNCH CONJURES UP IMAGES OF MYSTERY MEAT AND LIMP LETTUCE – BUT NOT IN OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON.  LEARN WHY ON THIS ENVIRONMINUTE.

AT THE PROMPTING OF A GROUP OF PARENTS, PAUL FLOCK, CHILD NUTRITION SUPERVISOR FOR THE OLYMPIA SCHOOL DISTRICT, SEARCHED OUT LOCAL, ORGANIC FOOD PROVIDERS. 

BUT ORGANIC PRODUCE COSTS A BIT MORE, SO FLOCK HAD TO SHIFT RESOURCES IN ORDER TO MAKE A CHANGE.  HE SECURED THE FUNDS BY ELIMINATING DESSERTS SUCH AS CAKE AND SWITCHING FROM DISPOSABLE TO METAL SILVERWARE.  NOW HIS SCHOOL LUNCHES INCLUDE AN ORGANIC CHOICE SALAD BAR WITH FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

FLOCK: AND WE’RE FINDING THAT SINCE WE’VE BEEN DOING THE ORGANIC, OUR VEGETABLE AND FRUIT CONSUMPTION HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY – UP ABOUT TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT.

IT’S A STRONG COMMITMENT TO HEALTHY CHILDREN AND A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT.

THE ENVIRONMINUTE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE HEINZ FAMILY PHILANTHROPIES AND THE HEINZ ENDOWMENTS.  LEARN MORE BY VISITING ENVIRONMINUTE-DOT-COM. 

Learn more about the Lincoln Elementary Farm to School Program.