Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Aug. 19 a new grassroots pilot program under the Greater Health for America initiative, of which four cities nationwide were selected to participate and receive grant funding.
The City of Sandusky was among the four that were picked for the program, and Erie County, the City of Sandusky and Sandusky City Schools are now partnering to establish a school-based health and nutrition program to battle chronic illness.
The project is the result of a collaborative effort among local leaders, including Erie County Commissioner Matt Old, Sandusky Commission President Kate Vargo and Bob Jones of The Chef’s Garden, who have worked together to advance initiatives focused on improving youth wellness, expanding access to nutritious foods and strengthening long-term public health outcomes throughout the community.
Sandusky City Schools will serve as the center of the local initiative with a focus on grades three through six. The program will implement a holistic approach in order to improve healthy habits that will in the long run lead to a reduction of chronic illnesses and healthier lives for students. This includes improved nutrition, physical activity, behavioral health support, preventive services and family engagement. The school will provide a consistent setting where children and families can be connected with resources that support both health and academic success.
“By beginning in our schools, we can help students develop healthy habits that will benefit them for years to come,” Erie County Commissioner Matt Old said. “This is an investment in their health, education and future.”
A major part of Sandusky’s program will be reducing processed and ultra-processed foods and preparing more meals with fresh, whole and minimally processed ingredients. The transition will involve purchasing, preparation, training, menu development and improvements in kitchen equipment.
Along with improvements in equipment and practices, there will be an emphasis in partnership across many different levels that will be essential in making sure the program is a success.
Judy Gilcrest, who oversees the cafeteria at Sandusky Intermediate School, has been incorporating meals from scratch even before the start of the initiative. With the help of the grant funding and overall structure of the program, this will help staff such as Judy accomplish efforts in making sure young students are nourished with good meals at school.
Additionally, through the help of Bob and Lee Jones from Chef’s Garden in Huron, Ohio, the program will be able to utilize exceptional fresh and local produce for school meals. Hatch for Hunger, out of Indiana, will provide eggs, fresh chicken and whole milk. Finally, A Longer Table out of Indianapolis will be providing guidance on the execution of the program based on its experience bringing whole foods into schools and communities.
“These partnerships show that schools do not have to choose between nutrition, quality and taste,” Old said. “With the right people working together, it is possible to provide all three.”
Matt Old, who spoke at the ceremony in Toledo, thanked Secretary Robert Kennedy and the U.S. Department of Health on including the Sandusky community on this great opportunity.
