Cafeteria Menu Board Updates

One of our CalFresh Healthy Living Program initiatives is the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement (SLM). SLM uses research-based approaches to guide students to select, eat, and enjoy healthy food options in schools, without eliminating choice. These strategies are easy, inexpensive, and fun to implement. We're working to implement SLM strategies at Jefferson, Mann, Cerritos, and our newest school site, Columbus Elementary. These strategy examples can include: displaying colorful healthy eating posters in the cafeteria, students' engagement in the development of creative, descriptive names for menu items and installing new cafeteria menu boards. Additionally, fourth grade students and families at these schools get to participate in nutrition education workshops further supporting the SLM. Check out our video here from Mann Elementary highlighting their SLM initiatives! 

In September, Cerritos and Jefferson Elementary cafeteria menu boards received a new look! The updated look is visually appealing and fun. The cafeteria menu boards are conveniently located near the cafeteria where students line up for breakfast and lunch. The location captures students' attention to read about the weekly featured menu items being served, such as the California Farm to School produce highlighting local produce from California. Positive feedback was received from school staff and students during the time of the menu board updates. The hope is that these environmental improvements help students make the healthy choice, the easy choice.