How One Meeting Transformed the School Meals Menu in Vermont

Running a school meals program involves navigating a complex web of federal reimbursement systems.  A key component of making school meal programs work is the USDA Food Program (aka commodities).  In addition to cash reimbursement, schools receive USDA foods that make up about 20% of each meal served.  Many people may remember the days when bright orange bricks of “government cheese” were incorporated into most school lunches. Today the program offers a wide variety of foods that enhance the nutritional value and quality of school meals across the state.

Hunger Free Vermont recently facilitated the first meeting of the “Commodities Work Group” in partnership with the Vermont Department of Children and Families and the Department of Education.  Food services directors from across the state attended with representatives from the USDA. With all stakeholders present the group worked to define the “menu” of commodities Vermont would take advantage of for our school meal programs.  The result is healthier food will be appear on all the cafeteria trays starting this year. Off the list are items high in sodium and sugar including some processed foods and canned fruits and vegetable. On the list are items such as frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as wheat flour and brown rice, and lean meats. 

This group took a collaborative and systems approach to improving the food kids eat every day. Instead of asking people to change what they pick from the menu they did something much more strategic: they changed the menu!  These more healthful choices in the USDA Foods Program will elevate the quality of school meals across the state. As advocates, educators, and supporters of healthful school meals it is our job to support our local school meal programs by offering support and praise when we see good food being served. Thank you to all the partners who came together at this critical meeting and made a whole lot of difference in just a few hours.