Making Nutrition Financially Successful

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Many schools are hesitant to change their food offerings (i.e. cafeteria and vending) because of a fear that improved nutrition equals rising costs; costs that many school districts cannot afford.  

The purpose of this section is twofold.  First, it provides a tool kit to guide the process of implementing nutritional changes without increasing costs.  Second, it provides examples of a variety of schools who have been successful in making the change.

School Foods Tool Kit:  A Guide to Improving School Foods and Beverages

Parents, teachers, school administrators, elected officials and others in small and large communities across the country have been successful at improving the nutritional quality of foods and beverages in their local schools.  Would you like to know how?  Click on the link below to find your guide to better school nutrition.

http://www.cspinet.org/schoolfoods

Nutrition and Finance Working Together: Four Schools Are Making It Work

It is a commonly held belief that better nutrition in schools spells disaster for incoming revenue. After all, these are kids we're talking about here. Who in their right mind chooses raisins over cookies? Juice over soda pop? From cafeteria lunch service to sales from vending machines, here are four schools and districts that prove that this belief is indeed a myth.

 Aptos Middle School PTSA: San Francisco, California

Aptos Middle School
105 Aptos Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415)469-4520

Parents and staff noticed that a number of students were making their lunch purely out of soda pop and chips. The school added homemade soups, fajitas, pasta, salads, and fresh deli sandwiches, and eliminated French fries, hot wings, oversized pizza, chips, and soda. Not only did student behavior and academic performance improve, revenues increased over the course of the year.

North Community High School: Minneapolis, Minnesota

North Community High School
Minneapolis, Minnesota
(612)668-1700
north@mpls.k12.mn.us

With the support of the district's administration, strategic vending policies were put into place throughout the school. With competitive pricing (water for $0.75, 100% juices for $1.00, soda for $1.25) and advantageous placement in high traffic areas, vending profits have increased by almost $4000 per year.

McComb School District: McComb, Mississippi

McComb School District
695 Minnesota Avenue
McComb, MS  39648
(601)684-4661
 

Taking a comprehensive approach to improving nutrition, the McComb district instituted policies that affected the district from elementary schools to high schools. From student performance rewards to fundraisers, from student vending options to those in the staff room, McComb's sweeping changes have left the district healthier, with no loss in revenue.

Whitefish Middle School: Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish Middle School
600 East Second Street
Whitefish, Montana 59937
(406)862-8640

 Working through a collaboration between the Montana Behavioral Initiative, students, and Team Nutrition, Whitefish Middle School switched from soda and candy to 100% fruit juice, water, and healthy snacks. Since the switch, disciplinary actions have dropped dramatically, with no loss in net revenue and profits.