Farm-to-School Movement Grows In Iowa

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“If Iowa can do it, I believe that other states can as well,” said Teresa Wiemerslage in a recent article. Wiemerslage is the Program Coordinator with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach.

For over 7 years the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness initiative has helped local school systems focus on wellness, activity and local food. However, with new federal government nutritional requirements and funding from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at (ISU), the initiative has come up with a local menu for six school districts. The grant has allowed the initiative to create and implement seasonal menus to help schools incorporate various locally grown fruits and vegetables including, watermelon, cabbage, summer and winter squashes, just to name a few. Foods like eggs, yogurt, meat and frozen products are also being sourced locally for the school year.

Students are not always up to trying the new foods, so the initiative has expanded a school mentorship program that lets older students mentor younger students in trying new foods. High school students are trained in nutrition education through ISU extension classes and work with groups to be able to positively impact younger students diet choices.

Studies show media targets Latinos with unhealthy foods. Initiatives in schools for healthier eating, along with mentorship from culturally appropriate role models may help Latino children be encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables.

To read more about Iowa’s healthy school changes, click here.