Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program

		Nutrition News
		May 8, 2008 NEW! from Action for Healthy Kids Tools to Engage Parents in School Wellness Creating healthier schools requires the engagement and commitment of numerous stakeholders, especially in underserved communities where multiple challenges confront millions of children and families every day. Recognizing parents as a largely untapped force for change in school wellness, Action for Healthy Kids has produced a Parents Advocating for School Wellness toolkit. MEE Productions, an organization regarded for its success in mobilizing parents in underserved communities, provided valuable content and technical assistance with the development of this resource. The toolkit is designed to help Action for Healthy Kids Teams and other school wellness advocates unlock the potential of parents as change agents and engage them as partners in support of healthier schools for their children. The Parents Advocating for School Wellness toolkit includes materials to help motivate and assist parents - particularly in urban communities - to move from awareness and caring to hands-on advocacy. This kit will help users: Understand how to cultivate parents as school wellness advocates, and how to connect with them and communicate effectively; Recruit parent advocates through community organizations and schools as well as by hosting a community informational event; Train parents on the importance of good nutrition and physical activity; Provide specific suggestions for how parents can work effectively with schools to promote wellness (based on successes of Action for Healthy Kids Teams); and Connect with community partners and schools. Through this toolkit, parents and other caring adults can become better informed about the importance of school wellness and be motivated to promote school wellness in local schools and communities. The end goal: mobilizing family-school-community partnerships to make positive contributions to the health of students and schools. Click here to download a copy of the Parents Advocating for School Wellness toolkit.
		May 8, 2008 Nutrikids Launches New Website and Parent Newsletters Nutritkids has launched a new password-protected website for schools that use NutriKids software for school meals programs. The new website can handle secure online prepayments, item purchase history, interactive menu planning and nutrition education that's fun to help students, parents and staff make healthy choices for a better life. MyTray is a colorful program that allows children and parents to build a virtual tray using fun and engaging nutrition information. This can help children evaluate their choices. MyNutrition includes nutrition education tools to motivate the school community. Another new service available is a new wellness newsletter, FitFuture, to help your district wellness team up with parents to promote good nutrition. The newsletter is in PDF format and can easily be distributed by email, uploaded to the district website, or printed on the back of menus. For more information, visit www.nutrikids.com.
		May 8, 2008 Are You Willing to Take Action for Healthier Kids? The National Dairy Council and local Dairy Council have teamed up with the National Football League to lead the revolution! You can order a FREE Wellness Activation Kit for your school. This kit will help your students make positive changes when it comes to their eating and exercise habits. It will also help your school achieve its wellness goals. Vehicles to deliver inspiring health messages, an entire nutrition and activity challenge program and creative downloadable tools are included. To order your kit, hop online at www.SchoolWellnessKit.org. Kits will be shipped in September 2008.
		May 5, 2008 Move and Crunch Challenge Winners! Small School - Woodrow Wilson School, East Peoria Medium-sized School - Dieterich Elementary School, Dieterich Large School - Prairie Hill School, Cary More information about the winners coming soon!
		April 11, 2008 New Student Health and Academic Achievement web page The CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) is pleased to announce the release of the Student Health and Academic Achievement web page. You can access the site at http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/index.htm The Student Health and Academic Achievement web page highlights the strong association between the academic success of America's youth and their health. Included is a link to the November 2007 JOSH article entitled Coordinated School Health Programs and Academic Achievement by Murray et al. The article examines evidence that school health program interventions that fit within the 8 components of the Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) model improve academic success among students. Coming soon! The Student Health and Academic Achievement web page will have: One-page fact sheets highlighting significant associations between health-risk behaviors and academic grades based on YRBS data PowerPoint slides containing graphs of all the significant associations among health-risk behavior variables and academic grades based on YRBS data. Presentation slides and scripts on health and academic achievement. Physical Activity and Education Achievement http://www.ajph.org/cgi/content/abstract/AJPH.2007.117176v1 Coordinated School Health and Achievement http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/pdf/CSHP_and_Academic_Achievement.pdf
		April 11, 2008 AG Mag Materials and the Illinois Learning Standards The AG Mag, developed by the Illinois Ag in the Classroom, is a new resource for teachers to use in for classroom activities and programs. Contact your local farm bureau to request packets of 30. AITC has 20 different ag mag - apples, pumpkins, dairy, corn, soybeans and more. Go to www.agintheclassroom.org and view the variety of activities and resources available. http://www.agintheclassroom.org/060605/Teachers/Printable/agmags/Nutriti
		April 9, 2008 Invitation to Comment on Rules Proposed amendments to the rules governing School Food Service (23 Ill. Adm. Code 305) were recently reviewed by the State Board of Education and are currently available for public comment. This set of amendments responds to recommendations set forth in the report of the School Wellness Task Force. The proposed requirements continue to apply only to participants in the federal school meals programs that serve students in grades 8 and below (i.e., the requirements will not apply to high schools). The proposed amendments have been posted on the agency’s web site at www.isbe.net/rules; choose “Proposed Rules and Amendments.” Public comment may be submitted no later than May 19, 2008 either via e-mail (addressed to rules@isbe.net) or via standard mail (addressed to Sally Vogl, Agency Rules Coordinator, ISBE, 100 North First Street - S-493, Springfield, Illinois 62777-0001). Deadline for Public Comment: May 19, 2008
		March 31, 2008 New Wellness Resource A new publication from the School Nutrition Association provides inspiration and practical ideas for all in the school community who are committed to fostering healthy eating habits in children. Well Done! School Nutrition Professionals Put Wellness Policies to Work is a booklet of motivational tales of how school nutrition directors are meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by local school wellness policies. School nutrition professionals from districts of all sizes and all across the country share experiences relating to gaining support from principals, teachers, parents and students; establishing cafeteria-based nutrition education programs; finding products to meet new nutrition standards; developing staff wellness programs and making operational changes. Visit the SNA website for more information: www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=2787
		March 15, 2008 Step Up Illinois School Meals Launched! The Step Up Illinois School Meals website will help school nutrition staff plan, prepare and promote school meals that demonstrate the Dietary Guidelines. The website was developed by the Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program in collaboration with the Illinois School Nutrition Association, Action for Kids-Illinois and the Illinois State Board of Education. The website provides: sample menus that meet Dietary Guidelines principles, ready-to-go promotion plans, funding opportunities nutrition education materials, and food preference surveys. Visit the website at www.kidseatwell.org/stepup.html
		Mar 11, 2008 Kids Have a New Destination for Fun on the Internet There is an exciting new addition to the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) website family, FoodChamps.org! This a tailored site for children. “Our new website, FoodChamps.org, gives us the opportunity to interact directly with children and show them fruits and veggies can be fun,” said Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., president and CEO of PBH. “The games and activities found on the site are age appropriate and designed to educate children about fruits and vegetables and encourage them to eat more.” The site is designed for children ages two through eight years old. While on the site, children can have fun with fruit and vegetable math, play a fruit and veggie matching game, and even print out recipes to cook with an adult helper.
		March 11, 2008 U.S. Surgeon General Launches National Childhood Obesity Initiative Acting U.S. Surgeon General Steven Galson, M.D., on Monday marked the launch of a new, national childhood obesity prevention initiative with a visit to West Virginia, the Charleston Gazette reports. Under the "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" program, Galson will recognize communities that encourage children to eat healthy and exercise for 60 minutes or more daily. In addition, the initiative will acknowledge teachers, public health leaders and other individuals who develop successful obesity prevention programs. After starting in West Virginia, which has one of the nation's highest rates of childhood obesity, Galson plans to continue touring the nation to promote the plan and raise awareness of childhood obesity. For more information see Press Release.
		March 6, 2008 Nutritionists, Educators, and Community Groups! The Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ web site for Educators has been revamped with YOU in mind! The updated Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ for Educators site is full of new features. It is now easier than ever to find updated and new resources, ideas on how to use them, and ready-to-go tools to use in conjunction with Power Panther visits.
		March 4, 2008 The Dietary Guidelines for Americans - Fact Sheets For Healthier School Meals "Use Low-fat Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt" is the first of a series of nine fact sheets developed for use by school foodservice professionals in planning healthier school meals. Download PDF
		February 27, 2008 New Child and Adult Care Food Program Resources For information on how to plan healthy meals in the childcare setting, be sure to check out these resources: Menus for Childcare, NFSMI - Menus for Child Care offers 8 complete weekly menus, including breakfast, lunch or supper, and snack meeting the CACFP Meal Pattern requirements for 3-5 year olds. These healthful and appealing menus can be used as cycle menus offering variety and moderation for balanced nutrition in the child care setting. The menus include nutrient analysis and crediting information. Published 2008 Montana Toolkit - This toolkit was designed for participants of the Montana Child and Adult Care Food Program; although the information is helpful to any childcare provider. The menus (5 weeks of breakfast, lunch and one snack), with accompanying recipes and resources, are provided to assist childcare providers in serving healthy meals which are cost effective, easy to prepare, and appealing to children. Sample CACFP Menus to Meet 2005 Dietary Guidelines - This three week sample menu from the Iowa Department of Education demonstrates 2005 Dietary Guidelines principles.
		February 27, 2008 Get with the Program! The Women's Sports Foundation is delighted to announce the return of its GoGirlGo! Program! Check out what's new with GoGirlGo! and help get 1 million girls physically active. New national award-winning healthy behavior program for third-to eighth-graders New national award-winning leadership and healthy behavior program for high school students More than $1 million available in grants! For more information visit www.GoGirlGo.com
		February 7, 2008 Making Better Food Choices and Moving More As part of a monthly series, Action for Healthy Kids is highlighting the theme-based challenges of Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge, a comprehensive program designed to help youth, families and schools incorporate healthy food choices and physical activity on a daily basis. Each Making Better Food Choices and Moving More challenge includes tools, tips and resources for how to plan, experience, track and celebrate the challenge. This month see the following: Fruits & Vegetables challenge This challenge focuses on fruits and vegetables, identified in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as “Food Groups to Encourage.” Some activities include: Fruits and Vegetables Taste Tests – A fun and effective way to share with students the great ways to make better food choices by adding fruits and vegetables to their daily diet. Eating the Alphabet Taste Test – A multi-day promotion for students to taste fruits and vegetables and learn about varieties from A to Z. Fruit and Education Bar – Learning about (and tasting!) a variety of fresh fruits, whether in the cafeteria or at a health fair. Before School challenge This challenge suggests how schools can optimize before school hours to help kids get a healthy start to their day with physical activity, such as through a Walk/Bike-to-School Program. These activities help make it possible to create a fun and fitness-promoting part of students’ daily school day routine. Resources include: *Starting guide, games and tip sheets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s KidsWalk-to-School* program. The Walk with the Principal program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Promotion and educational materials, resources to help schools find funding for walk/bike-to-school programs and evaluation tools from the National Center for Safe Routes to School.**
		January 23, 2008 NEW Online Toolkit Available Action for Healthy Kids has launched an expanded version of Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge! Originally, introduced as a one day event in 2006, Action for Healthy Kids has revamped the program. Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge is now a year long program that challenges youth, their families and schools to incorporate healthy food choices and physical activity into their daily lives. The new online toolkit, is now available through the Action for Healthy Kids website; click here to access the online toolkit directly.
		January 16, 2008 New Tool to Help Schools Choose Health Education Curriculum and Programs The Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT) can help school districts, schools, and others conduct a clear, complete, and consistent analysis of health education curricula based on the National Health Education Standards and CDC’s Characteristics of Effective Health Education Curricula. The HECAT results can help schools select or develop appropriate and effective health education curricula and improve the delivery of health education. The HECAT can be customized to meet local community needs and conform to the curriculum requirements of the state or school district. The following HECAT health topic modules are currently available: Alcohol and Other Drugs Healthy Eating Physical Activity Tobacco Additional modules will be added as they are completed.
		January 9, 2008 School Wellness Policy Task Force Report on the Evaluation of School Wellness Policies Released The Illinois School Wellness Policy Task Force has completed its work as outlined in Public Act 094-0199. The required report on the evaluation on six school districts’ effectiveness of the school wellness policies was submitted to the Governor and General Assembly as of January 1, 2008. For access to this report and all of the reports and a complete list of Task Force members, please visit http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/wellness_policy.htm
		December 27, 2007 Fundraisers with a Farm-fresh Healthy Twist Farm-raisers is a reproducible handout that provides ideas and information on healthy school fundraisers using locally grown farm products. To download visit: http://departments.oxy.edu/uepi/publications/farmraisers.pdf
		December 27, 2007 Resource to Help Boost Fruit and Vegetable Consumption The Florida Department of Health Fruits and Veggies--More Matters Resource Manual has been completed and is posted on the WIC Internet site for download. It contains preschool, elementary, teen and adult lessons and activity sheets to help you increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Access the Resource Manual by going to: www.FloridaWIC.org. At that site, under the "Nutrition Information" column, click on: Fruits & Veggies--More Matters. This will take you to a page that contains the Resource Manual. Since it is such a large document, it is posted in three smaller PDF sections as follows: More Matters Resource Manual (pages 1 - 60) - 4.59 MB PDF More Matters Resource Manual (pages 61 - 68) - 4. MB PDF More Matters Resource Manual (pages 69 - 100) - 4.59 MB PDF
		December 27, 2007 Fundraising Report Available The Center for Science in the Public Interest has published a report - Sweet Deals: School Fundraising can be Healthy and Profitable - that discusses the pros and cons of a number of different school fundraisers. This report has contact information for over 60 fundraising companies with healthy options. You can find it at: http://www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/schoolfundraising.pdf
		December 21, 2007 Food for Thought The Lexington Health Department in Kentucky has updated Food for Thought: Healthy Food Guidelines for Schools. The downloadable booklet includes ideas and recipes for healthful food and beverage options for class parties, class snacks, concessions, vending, meetings, etc. It also lists alternatives to food rewards and information on keeping food safe.
		December 13, 2007 Measuring Body Mass Index in Schools The CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health and Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity announce the release of Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools in the Journal of School Health. For full access to the article and executive summary, visit CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health web site: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/overweight/BMI/index.htm School-based body mass index (BMI) measurement has attracted much attention across the nation from researchers, school officials, and legislators as a potential approach to address obesity among youth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools to describe the purpose of school-based BMI surveillance and screening programs. The article examines current practices, identifies concerns surrounding programs, and outlines needs for future research. Guidance is provided on specific safeguards that need to be addressed before schools decide to collect BMI information. For questions contact CDC INFO: 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) cdcinfo@cdc.gov TTY: 888-232-6348
		November 12, 2007 Kellogg's NuCrew Website Assists School Child Nutrition Staff with Transition from Food-Based to Nutrient-Based Menu Planning This new website contains resources and grant opportunities to assist schools in making the transition to nutrient-based menu planning. The grants can be used for software purchase, hardware upgrades, training and data entry. Visit www.kelloggsnucrew.com for more information.
		October 22, 2007 State Goal on Wellness Policy Adopted by Illinois State Board of Education Based on the requirements of Public Act 094-0199, the Illinois State Board of Education approved a state goal that all public school districts must have a locally-developed wellness policy that addresses nutrition guidelines for all foods sold on the school campus during the school day, nutrition education and physical activity. Download the complete state goal at: http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/wellness_policy.htm#goal The goal also recommends that Local Wellness Policies be consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and shall not be any less restrictive than current state and federal rules governing these areas. Community participation in development of the policy is required and districts should also create a plan to measure implementation of the policy. School districts participating in the Federal Child Nutrition Programs were required to implement a Local Wellness Policy prior to the current school year. All remaining public schools districts not participating in the Federal Child Nutrition Programs shall have a Local Wellness Policy no later than the first day of the 2008-2009 school year. Guidance materials and training are available from the Illinois NET Program. Click here for a model wellness policy template, Local Wellness Policy toolkit and information on available training and resources.
		October 22, 2007 Schools Making Progress in Decreasing Availability of Junk Food and Promotion Physical Activity Schools nationwide have made progress in improving student food choices and opportunities for physical activity according to the 2006 School Health Policies and Promotions survey released by the Centers for Disease Control. Still, more needs to be done to strengthen school health and wellness policies and programs, according to CDC. The results of the 2006 survey revealed several areas that still need improvement: Seventy-seven percent of high schools still sell soda or fruit drinks that are not 100 percent fruit juice and 61 percent sell salty snacks not low in fat in their vending machines or school stores. Only 65 percent of districts provided funding for or offered staff development on nutrition and dietary behavior during the two years preceding the study. Among classes in which nutrition and dietary behavior was taught, the median number of hours of required instruction teachers provided on nutrition and dietary behavior decreased from 4.6 hours in 2000 to 3.4 hours in 2006 among elementary school classes. Almost 25 percent of schools report no instruction on nutrition and dietary behavior topics as part of required instruction. Families, schools, school boards, and school administrators all need to work together to develop and implement policies and programs that promote health and safety among our nation's young people" said Howell Weschler, Ed. D., M.P.H., director of CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health. For more information about the survey results see: SHPPS 2006: Changes between 2000 and 2006 SHPPS 2006 Fact Sheets (Nutrition, Physical Activity, Physical Education, etc.)
		October 11, 2007 Statewide Survey Reveals Priority Areas for Supporting Local Wellness Policy Initiatives in Illinois Schools The Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids-Illinois has completed a statewide survey of Local Wellness Policy needs. The 716 responses received through the survey includes the opinions of school food service staff, classroom nutrition educators and local wellness policy leaders in 544 Illinois school districts. The top ten training and resource needs include: parent/community awareness of local wellness policy training school staff on local wellness policy effective ways to promote healthful food choices to students in the cafeteria list of healthful foods for school parties/events teaching strategies that increase healthy food choices funding a local wellness policy nutrition education curriculum recommendations parent and community education programs coordinated school health program nutrition integrated into health education This survey was made possible by a State Agency Local Wellness Policy Training grant from the USDA. The Illinois NET Program plans to share the information from the statewide survey with agencies and organizations throughout the state and nation that can help address the needs of Illinois schools. For more information about the survey: Quick Facts: Illinois Local Wellness Policy Needs Assessment Survey Click here Illinois Local Wellness Policy Needs Assessment Survey 2007 Local Wellness Policy Needs Assessment Survey (PDF) Appendix A - Frequency Tables (PDF) Appendix B - Verbatim Responses (PDF) Appendix C - Questionnaires (PDF) Appendix D - Cover Letters (PDF)
		Upcoming Training Opportunities
		April 14, 2007 Accomodating Special Diets in the School Nutrition Programs A one and a half-day conference sponsored by the USDA FNS Midwest Regional Office and State Agenecies administering USDA School Nutrition Programs. The conference wll be July 8 and 9 in Chicago. It will feature local and national level expert speakers and will showcase best practices and challenges in accomodating children with special dietary needs. There is no registration fee. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Roxanne Ramage at ISBE at 800-545-7892 to register. Please only one person per district.
		April 14, 2007 Healthy Meals, Healthy Students- Implementing the 2005 Dietary Guidelines at Your School! This new workshop was developed to help schools to design menus that are more in line with the recommendations of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, Healthier US Challenge, and current research. We will also tie the healthy recommendations together with how to successfully complete your School Meals Initiative (SMI) Reviews. Participants will learn about current nutrition research, trends, and practical tips on how they can implement healthy options in to their schools menus. Pre-registration is required; please visit www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/workshops.htm. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the workshop is from 8 a.m. until noon. June 26—Fairview Hts. - July 10—Lombard - August 27, 2008—Springfield School Food Safety Plan, the Process Approach to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Principles (HACCP) is an optional workshop offered in the afternoon. See the description above; you must register separately.
		February 27, 2008 Online Professional Development Training Available for Educators A number of online graduate courses related to school wellness are available for teachers and school personnel through Framingham State College like: Using Nutrition & Physical Activity Messages in Middle School Curriculum Body Mass Index as a Weight Assessment Tool in School Preventing Eating Disorders in Schools Winning Sports Nutrition for Children and Adolescents You can earn professional development units for each graduate credit received.
		February 18, 2008 Orientation to School Nutrition Management Seminar Choose from three dates and locations in May, June, July This seminar is designed for new and aspiring school nutrition program directors. Participants receive information essential to the operation of cost-effective, customer-oriented school nutrition programs that promote healthy eating behaviors. Registration Fee: $150.00 Registration Deadline: May 16, 2008
		February 18, 2008 The Breakfast Lunch Training (BLT) Module, Nutrition 101: A Taste of Food and Fitness, provides a basic overview of nutrition for school staff. The module incorporates a variety of learning activities to engage participants on a personal level. The learning objectives for each lesson are achieved through completion of all lesson components. Lessons are designed to be completed within 30 minutes. A new lesson on diet decisions has been just been added to this training series. For more information and to download lessons, visit: http://www.nfsmi.org/Information/blt2005index.htm
		November 27, 2007 Professional Development Opportunity for School/District Wellness Teams The Center for Ecoliteracy and Teachers College Columbia University (TC) announce two five-day professional development institutes: June 23-27 in Berkeley, California August 9-13 in New York, New York The institutes are designed to support teams from schools and districts that want to create learning connections between the school food environment and curriculum in the classroom. The institutes are part of the CEL–TC joint project supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The institutes are grounded in CEL's Rethinking School Lunch planning framework and in the Linking Food and the Environment (LiFE) Curriculum Series for science and nutrition education. Developed by Teachers College, LiFE features inquiry-based activities that integrate the study of food, food systems, and environmental and personal health. Teams participating in the institutes will develop specific implementation plans for their schools or districts, applying the RSL planning framework and the LiFE curriculum. The institutes will include seminars on the latest research in nutrition and sustainable education, how-to sessions with leading practitioners, field trips to regional farms and schools engaged in rethinking school food, and opportunities to share experiences and to model the practices of a learning community. For a more detailed description please see the attached document. Applications are available online at http://www.ecoliteracy.org/seminars/rfhe-pdinstitute.html
		Grant Opportunities
		May 5, 2008 Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program Grant Opportunity! The Illinois State Board of education announced that Illinois was recently added as a state to participate in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP). The purpose of the program is to increase fruit (both fresh and dried) and fresh vegetable consumption in elementary and secondary schools. This wonderful program will award grants to 25 Illinois school buildings for the 2008–2009 school year. Visit the ISBE website at www.isbe.net/nutrition for additional information about this program and to access the FFVP grant application. In order to be considered for this exciting program for your 2008-2009 school year, you must complete and submit the grant application to our office no later than May 16, 2008! If you have any questions, please contact Lindsay Blough or Roxanne Ramage at cnp@isbe.net or call (800) 545-7892 or (217) 782-2491. We hope you will consider taking part in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program as another way to help your students develop lifelong healthful eating habits.
		May 5, 2008 Expanding Breakfast Awards Midwest Dairy Council and St. Louis Dairy Council are providing Expanding Breakfast Awards in Illinois. A total of $6,000 will be awarded to schools in which Expanding Breakfast (i.e. an alternate breakfast service) is currently offered. Alternate breakfast could be breakfast in the classroom, "Grab and Go" or Breakfast after First Period, Delayed or "Second Chance Breakfast". To apply, please visit your local Dairy Council website at www.midwestdairy.com or www.stldairycouncil.org. Schools that have offered expanded breakfast option(s) for at least 3 months are encouraged to apply. Awards are provided to individual schools; more than one school per district may apply. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, November 14, 2008.
		April 5, 2008 Applications are currently available for the second annual Winston Equipment Award for SNA members Through this award, Winston Industries is awarding 10 pieces of equipment to one school district in need of improving its school meal kitchen equipment for schools in that district. Equipment received from this award may include holding cabinets, holding drawers, steamer, cook and holds, therm and holds and display cabinets. Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be a member of the School Nutrition Association (SNA) for a minimum of 1 (one) year. Applicants must be the person responsible for directing the school nutrition program of the school district. For an application please visit the following: http://docs.schoolnutrition.org/files/WinstonIndustriesEquipmentAward.doc Award applications must be postmarked by September 5, 2008. Late proposals will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed and the award recipient announced in the first week of November 2008. Please contact the School Nutrition Foundation at snf@schoolnutrition.org for any questions regarding the Winston Equipment Award.
		April 14, 2008 Community Grant Applications Due June 30, 2008 June 30 is the deadline to submit an Archer Daniels Midland Company Community Grant Application. The program will award up to four grants of $10,000 each for community-improvement projects in cities and towns where ADM operates. The program will award grants to qualified tax-exempt, nonprofit, educational, or community organizations in ADM communities. In order to be eligible to receive a grant, applicants must apply on behalf of a public charity under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, not a private foundation under section 509(a). Complete program information, including submission guidelines and an application, is available at www.admworld.com/pdf/communitygrantapplication2008.pdf .
		April 3, 2008 Funding Opportunity to Increase Participation in After school and Summer Nutrition Programs From March 10-May 30, 2008, Share Our Strength will be accepting grant applications from current sponsors of summer and after school meal programs for children that utilize USDA-reimbursement and organizations that increase participation through advocacy and outreach. Funding Goal Grants from Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale will support efforts to increase participation among low-income school-age children in afterschool and summer meal programs. Share Our Strength is specifically interested in increasing participation in meal programs that utilize USDA-reimbursement through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), or Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Nonprofit organizations that work to increase the number of children that receive nutritious afterschool and summer meals may be eligible to apply for funds raised through Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale. Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000. To apply For more information about this grant opportunity and to access the application please visit www.greatamericanbakesale.org/grants
		April 3, 2008 National Gardening Association Announces New Grant Program for Preschool Gardening Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, a program for preschoolers that airs on Nick Jr., has joined with the National Gardening Association to promote gardening for young children through a new grant program. Seventy-five applicants will each receive an assortment of garden tools and garden- and nature-oriented teaching materials valued at $1,000, plus a Wubbzy garden activity guide. To be eligible, organizations must offer structured programs in settings such as preschools, daycare centers, and Head Start programs. Applicants must plan to garden with a group of at least ten children (ages 3-5) during 2008. Visit the NGA Kids Gardening Web site for complete program information. Contact: Link to Complete RFP
		April 3, 2008 Grant Opportunities for Programs that Support Children's Health GoGirlGo! National Grant Program – Deadline: 5/9/08 The Women’s Sports Foundation’s GoGirlGo! National Grant Program is offering $430,000 in grant money for schools and other community organizations to provide girls aged 8-13 with a minimum eight-week sports or physical activity program, along with implementing the GoGirlGo! Curriculum. Funds are available for underserved populations of girls, particularly those in economically challenged areas with high incidences of health-risk behaviors. For more details, visit www.womenssportsfoundation.org/cgi-bin/iowa/funding/featured.html?record=40. 2008 Healthy Sprouts Awards – Deadline: 10/15/08 Funding and supplies are available for a youth garden program for 20 schools with children between the ages of 3 and 18. Projects must incorporate nutrition education and educate children about hunger in the United States. Applications are available online at www.kidsgardening.com/healthysprouts.asp. Outdoor Classroom Grant Program – Deadline: Rolling Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, International Paper and the International Paper Foundation, and National Geographic Explorer classroom magazine are awarding grants to K-12 schools and/or districts for $2,000-$20,000 for new or enhancing existing outdoor classrooms, including fruit and vegetable gardens. See www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/outdoor/index.html for more information. Albertson’s Corporate Contributions Program – Deadline: Rolling Albertson’s provides funding for youth and education and health and nutrition programs for schools within areas of operation, including Jewel/Osco stores. To view eligibility requirements, visit www.albertsons.com/abs_inthecommunity/default.asp.
		February 22, 2008 Team Up to Get Girls Active The GoGirlGo! Ambassador Program is an initiative of the Women's Sports Foundation to get 1 million girls physically active. Their Team Award will recognize high school girls for taking the lead. Twenty teams who display leadership in their communities will be awarded $2,500 team grant for uniforms, travel, equipment and more! to get program details and enter, send a team representative to www.GoGirlWorld.org/Ambassador. The deadline for entry is July 18, 2008.
		December 13, 2007 SNF and US Potato Board Announce the First School Wellness Grant Program The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) is proud to announce their partnership with the U.S. Potato Board (USPB) in sponsoring the first-ever School Wellness Grant Program. Ten (10) grants will be awarded to 10 public elementary schools to receive funds in the amount of $2,500. Grant recipients are expected to use these funds towards purchasing equipment and/or implementing a physical education curriculum, which will assist students in becoming conscious of a healthy lifestyle. Eligibility Requirements: You must apply on behalf of a public elementary school Your school must participate in the National School Lunch Week Applicant must either be a member of SNA for a minimum of 1 (one) year or an SNA member must sponsor the applicant. Please visit the SNA website at: http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=1111 to find a member in your state through the SNA state affiliate Grant applications are due April 15, 2008. If you have any questions regarding the grant or if you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact the Foundation Coordinator at 800-877-8822 ext. 104. For a grant application, please see related links.
		November 19, 2007 Websites to Check for Funding Opportunities that Support Student Wellness The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors provides a web page that consolidates funding opportunities aimed at improving chronic diseases. Page available at: http://www.chronicdisease.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3574 Center for Health and Health Care in Schools - grant opportunities for schools are posted at: www.healthinschools.org USDA Team Nutrition - his webpage lists sources of wellness funding for local wellness policy initiatives at: http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Healthy/wellnesspolicy_funding.html Illinois NET Program KidsEatWell.org - post current grant opportunities for Illinois schools on this page (What's New) so be sure and bookmark it. Illinois NET Program Illinois Schools Can! electronic newsletter updates subscribers on new grant opportunities. Sign up to receive a copy at: http://www.kidseatwell.org/ASP/ISCNewsletterForm.asp
		November 12, 2007 GOT Breakfast Grant Opportunity. The "Got breakfast?" Foundation provides grants to school districts interested in serving classroom breakfast. Studies have shown that Classroom Breakfast raises test scores, reduces health issues and doubles, and in some cases triples, participation numbers in the Federal School Breakfast program. We hope that these grants will serve as a catalyst for providing classroom breakfasts throughout the country and in the process help the millions of students who qualify for a free or reduced-price breakfast receive the most important meal of the day. For more information on obtaining a grant, please call 866-786-9028. "Got Breakfast?" grants were awarded to Namaste Charter School of Chicago, Maple Elementary School of Love's Park and Nokomis Junior and Senior High School in Nokomis, Illinois this year.
		November 12, 2007 Kellogg's NuCrew Website Assists School Child Nutrition Staff with Transition from Food-Based to Nutrient-Based Menu Planning This new website contains resources and grant opportunities to assist schools in making the transition to nutrient-based menu planning. The grants can be used for software purchase, hardware upgrades, training and data entry. Visit www.kelloggsnucrew.com for more information. Entries must be postmarked by 2/28/09.
		November 12, 2007 School Breakfast Grant Opportunity Available School Breakfast Start-Up Grants are available up to $3,500 to begin a school breakfast program. Visit http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/breakfast_state.htm to download the simple application. Do not delay, apply today.
		July 15, 2007 Grants for Schools and Youth Gardens The National Gardening Association works with sponsoring companies and organizations to provide in-kind grants to projects that actively engage kids in the garden and improve the quality of life for their communities. To be eligible for these awards your school or organization must plan to garden with at least 15 kids between the ages of 3 and 18. (Mantis Awards are also open to non-youth organizations.) For more information on grants available visit: http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants.asp

April 14, 2008

Community Grant Applications Due June 30, 2008

National Gardening Association Announces New Grant Program for Preschool Gardening