Ennis Public Schools

Ennis, Montana

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Categories	Adopt marketing techniques to promote healthful choices; Student input into change; Make more healthful foods and beverages available
Problem Overview	370 students, northwest of Yellowstone National Park on the Madison River 28 percent of students eligible for free and reduced-price school meals
Program/Activity Description	In the summer of 2002, the Ennis School Board decided to remove soft drink and candy machines from Ennis schools. Their action was based on the connection between student achievement and nutrition. The school board asked the question: do high-fat/high-sugar, caffeine-containing foods and beverages contribute to the learning process? Since the answer was “no,” the board decided to remove them from Ennis schools. At the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year, candy machines were removed from all Ennis schools. Beverage vending machines were stocked with water and juice, and machine signs were changed to remove brand logos. The board decided not to replace the candy machines because they wanted to promote participation in the school nutrition programs and the candy machines were in direct competition with that effort. The Ennis school food service program took the initiative to offer exceptional school meals to their students. With the goal of providing more healthful choices, they wanted to go beyond the “ordinary” choices and to focus on creative, appealing, kid-friendly options. The reason is obvious: “Kids eat with their eyes first,” says Tammy Wham, food service manager. At Ennis schools, students are now offered choices on daily food bars, including a deli bar where students can make their own fresh sandwiches; a salad bar that looks like it is “out of a gourmet magazine” (no iceberg lettuce in a bag here!); and a specialty bar on Fridays (e.g., taco bar, soup bar, pasta bar). At breakfast, a fruit bar is offered daily. There are no fried foods in the Ennis cafeteria. Everything is baked fresh daily, including sandwich rolls, dinner rolls, buns, and homemade desserts. The Ennis cafeteria is focused on the needs of its customers. food service employees are friendly and attentive to students’ needs. They ask for student input on menu items while kids are going through the line—so that students know their feedback is important and taken seriously by the staff.
Program/Activity Outcome	In the summer of 2002, the Ennis School Board made a decision to improve its school nutrition environment by removing candy and soft drinks from vending machines. At the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year, candy vending machines were removed from all school buildings. Soft drinks were removed from beverage vending machines, which were then stocked with water and juice. All vending machine signs were changed to remove soft drink company logos and to highlight generic pictures of active kids. School meals have also been improved by making them more appealing to students and by offering a wider variety of healthful choices, such as homemade pasta, taco, and salad bars. The school food service program has focused on promoting a friendly, customer-oriented environment in the cafeteria. Since the changes were made, high school student participation in the school lunch program has increased, and students and parents report greater satisfaction with the food service program. Students are happier and more at ease in the cafeteria. Parents feel confident that their children are getting a wholesome, delicious meal. Although the revenue from the vending machines is less than in the past (due to the absence of the candy machine), the overall revenue from the school nutrition programs has grown substantially. This increase is due to greater participation in school breakfast and lunch programs.
Story Highlights	Keys to Success: Commitment: The school board did not entertain any other options regarding changes in the contents of vending machines. Thus everyone, including teachers and staff, knew that soft drinks and candy were out. Role modeling: Adults “walk the talk” in terms of positive behaviors. Administrative support: The superintendent was a champion for school meal programs. Excellence in food service: The food service program used a four-point plan to achieve change: 1) Kids are involved; ask them what they would like. 2) Offer nutritious choices. 3) Have a fun atmosphere. 4) Make the kids feel welcome and wanted. Future Plans: Increase fresh fruit and vegetable options Continual self-assessment for continual improvement
Words of Wisdom	"Kids come first, and whatever benefits their learning activity should be a priority." — Doug Walsh, Superintendent
Program Contact	Doug Walsh

Page last reviewed: February 27, 2013
Page last updated: February 27, 2013
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