Program providing better food for students

SANDUSKY — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the city of Sandusky as one of the communities nationwide selected to participate in the Great Health for America initiative, receiving $4 million in grant funding. Three local entities — the governments of Erie County and Sandusky along with Sandusky Schools — will partner to establish a school-based health and nutrition program focused on improving child health and reducing chronic disease. Only four U.S. communities received a share of the $32 million made available by the federal government. Each recipient has two years to implement locally driven health initiatives. Locally, in Sandusky, this project aims to remove processed foods and replace them with healthy ones in order to battle chronic illness and improve academic performance. Securing these grant funds resulted from a collaboration among local leaders, including Sandusky Schools administrators, Erie County commissioner Matt Old, Sandusky ex officio mayor Kate Vargo and the owners of The Chef's Garden in Milan Township. Sandusky Intermediate School, on Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) beside the high school, will serve as the center of the local initiative with a focus on students in grades three through six. The program will address nutrition, physical activity, behavioral health, preventive services and family engagement. "By beginning in our schools, we can help students develop healthy habits that will benefit them for years to come," Old said. "This is an investment in their health, education and future." A major focus will be reducing processed foods in school meals while increasing the use of fresh, whole and minimally processed ingredients. Grant funding will support food purchasing, staff training, menu development, preparation and improvements to kitchen equipment. Judy Gilcrest and her staff who oversee the cafeteria at Sandusky Intermediate School have already incorporated meals made from scratch. Brothers Bob and Lee Jones of The Chef's Garden will help provide access to fresh, locally grown produce. And Hatch for Hunger, a nonprofit out of Indiana, will provide eggs, fresh chicken and whole milk. A Longer Table, another nonprofit out of Indiana, will provide guidance based on its experience bringing whole foods into schools and communities. "By joining the Great Health for America Initiative, the Sandusky community hopes to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food to start the day healthy and ready to learn," Vargo said. "What makes this effort so exciting is the many local partners coming together — schools, families, health care providers, community organizations and local leaders — to share resources, expertise and a common commitment to our children." Officials launched the initaitive on Wednesday at The Toledo Club where federal, state and local leaders gathered to highlight the work planned throughout the region. U.S. Deputy Surgeon General Rear Adm. Paul Jung participated in the event. Sandusky Schools superintendent and CEO Luther Johnson spoke at the event. Old spoke on behalf of Erie County and thanked Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and the department for selecting the Sandusky community.