Academy Meal Program Mini-Documentary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Academy for GOD Celebrates a Decade of Success with its Innovative Farm-to-Table School Meal Program

Old Hickory, TN — In 2015, The Academy for GOD commenced its farm to school meal program to address the way students experience school meals. Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of our Farm-to-Table School Meal Program, we reflect on a decade of growth, sustainability, and nourishing the minds and bodies of our K-12 students.

This milestone is marked by the release of a 21 minute mini-documentary that captures the essence of our Farm-to-Table initiative and the positive impact it has had on our school community. The documentary gives a view into our school garden and other local farms where some of our produce and meat is sourced to the bustling school cafeteria where our dedicated staff transforms fresh, locally sourced ingredients into delicious and nutritious meals.

Key highlights of the mini-documentary include:

• Origins of the Program: Explore the vision and mission that led to the inception of the Farm-to-Table School Meal Program in 2015. Hear from the key stakeholders who championed this innovative approach to school nutrition.

• Local Partnerships: Learn about the strong partnerships forged with local farmers and producers. Witness the collaborative efforts that ensure our students have access to high-quality, seasonal ingredients while supporting the local economy.

• Educational Impact: Discover how the program extends beyond the cafeteria, becoming an integral part of the educational experience. Students are engaged in hands-on learning experiences, from planting seeds to understanding the nutritional value of the foods they consume.

• Health and Wellness: Hear testimonials from educators, parents, and nutrition experts about the positive impact of the Farm-to-Table initiative on student health and overall well-being.

• Community Engagement: Explore the ways in which the program has brought the community together. From farm visits to community events, witness the sense of pride and unity that has blossomed around our commitment to sustainable, locally sourced meals.

This mini-documentary not only commemorates our journey but also serves as an inspiration for other school districts looking to implement sustainable and healthy meal programs.

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

Ms. Breann Chigumira

Academy School Nutritionist & Meal Program Coordinator

Breann.Chigumira@academyforgod.org

The Academy for GOD

401 Center St. Old Hickory, TN 37138

615-722-7107

info@academyforgod.org

www.academyforgod.org

5 Ways School Meals Can Address Picky Eating

Many school age children elementary ages through high school have difficulties with being ‘picky’ eaters. How do we overcome these hurdles to picky eating? School can be a great place for students to try new foods and it is a unique setting to do so. 

1. Menu Diversity

Most schools, including the Academy, has a rotating menu in which students are exposed to about 10 different menu options throughout the entire semester. Each item exposes students to a new flavor profile and set of ingredients along with many different fruit and vegetables. We are required to meet minimums in regards to types of vegetables. We are not permitted to just serve 1 or 2 types of vegetables all week but instead have to ensure everything from dark greens to legumes are represented each week. This ensures students are exposed to a variety of nutrients and types of foods, which over time allows them to expand their palate. 

2. Positive Peer Pressure

When students see other students positively receiving items and they are more likely to try out those foods. At times picky eating can become a battle of the wills between parent and the child. Students sometimes just need a change in setting! When they are in the cafeteria surrounded by other students eating school lunch they let their guard down and will even eat new foods because they see other students doing so. 

3. Try it and Try it Again

In the long term eating school meals will allow the student greater growth in terms of what they are willing to eat. Though they may start out not eating much or only trying a few items over time students begin to adapt and grow. The change will take time, but even a bite of a new item is a huge win for students who are struggling. It takes at least 15-20 times of trying a new item for children to adapt or start liking a new food, the repetition will take time but will pay off in the long term. The school menu allows for some repetition but enough diversity that the student doesn’t feel they are eating the same thing everyday. 

4. Resolves Decision Fatigue

Packing lunches can be a challenge, school lunches take away the fatigue that comes in trying to meal plan and ensure your student is being pushed to try new things. School meals can benefit picky eaters ensuring that your student doesn’t get in a rut of only asking for or eating certain items. Though packed lunches can have some diversity over time it can be difficult to keep up with what your student should be eating or fight them when it comes to what they want you as the parent to pack.

5. Empowers Your Student

The lunch line can become a time for your student feel empowered to make some decisions on their own. Meal times are often a time when students have small choices to make, which vegetables they want, which sauces to choose, etc. These moments allow the student feel empowered to make decisions and yet still receive a healthy meal. 


School meals can truly support you, as the parent, in your journey to teaching your child to eat nutritious food. Though it is not always an easy route over time, students can and will adapt, learn and grow which is exactly what they are at school to do, whether in the classroom or at meal time.

Nourishing Our Future: The Local Foods to Schools Grant

The Academy’s nutrition program has embarked on an exciting journey this year. Thanks to the "Local Foods to Schools" grant, we have the opportunity to purchase fresh produce and meat directly from small local farms. This initiative not only supports local farmers but also promises to provide our students with nutritious, high-quality meals while reducing the environmental footprint of our food supply. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of the grant and our partnership with Pure Pastures, a family-owned farm in Barren Plains, Tennessee.


Nutrient-Rich Harvest

One of the key advantages of sourcing food locally is that it allows us to deliver nutrient-dense meals to our students. As a general rule, the longer the journey from harvest to table, the more nutrients a food item loses. By purchasing fruits and vegetables from nearby farms, we can ensure that our students enjoy the maximum nutritional benefits.

Local produce is often fresher and more vibrant, brimming with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a known fact that fruits and vegetables begin to lose their nutritional value the moment they're harvested. The shorter the distance they travel, the less time there is for nutrient depletion. This means that our students get to enjoy the full spectrum of goodness these foods have to offer.

A Farm to Table meal plan is a strategy the Academy has adopted since the beginning of our meal program. Ensuring students have opportunity to eat meats and vegetables from local food sources is priority for our meal program team. These chickens belong to Pure Pastures!

Organic and Sustainable

In addition to enhanced nutrition, the "Local Foods to Schools" grant empowers us to buy organic produce, a win for both our students' health and the environment. Organic farming practices prioritize soil health and sustainability, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that can harm the ecosystem. Choosing organic options from local farmers allows us to support sustainable agriculture practices that benefit our planet.

When it comes to meat, sourcing locally offers transparency and traceability. We have the opportunity to understand how animals are raised, what they are fed, and ensure that we are serving high-quality, nutrient-dense meats to our students. This not only contributes to healthier meals but also aligns with our commitment to ethical and sustainable food sourcing.

Supporting Local Communities

One of the most significant aspects of this grant is the ability to develop strong relationships with local farmers. Our partnership with Pure Pastures is just the beginning of a journey that will not only benefit our school but also the surrounding communities. By supporting small, family-owned farms like Pure Pastures, we contribute to the growth and prosperity of local economies. This grant is a catalyst for building a network of trust and collaboration between schools and local producers, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Lunch is a highlight of the day for Academy students. Not only do students receive nutritious meals, they are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversation with their peers. Fellowship over a meal is a value we hope students carry away from their school day and into their homes with their families.

The "Local Foods to Schools" grant is an exciting opportunity for our school nutrition program to make a meaningful impact on our students' health, the environment, and local communities. By prioritizing nutrient-rich, locally sourced foods, we aim to provide our students with top-quality nutrition while supporting sustainable and responsible farming practices.

As we continue to explore our partnership with Pure Pastures and other local farms, we look forward to the growth of this initiative. It's a chance to bring the bounty of our home state right to our students' plates, ensuring they not only receive the best nutrition possible but also develop a deep appreciation for the local food ecosystem. In the years to come, we hope to see more schools embracing similar initiatives, nurturing healthier generations, supporting local economies, and making a positive impact on the environment. The "Local Foods to Schools" grant is more than just a grant; it's a step towards a brighter and more sustainable future for our students and our world.