| Program/Activity Outcome |
- A few years into a 10-year implementation of a coordinated school health program, many changes have been made in the McComb School District’s nutrition environment.
- At the K-8 level, the district banned fundraising with candy or other less nutritious food items (students now sell fruit and wrapping paper) and set guidelines on what snacks can be brought to school.
- Water, 100% juices, milk, and sports drinks are the only beverages available in vending machines; soft drinks are sold after school hours only. According to the superintendent, “Kids will buy whatever is there.” There has been no loss of revenue from these changes; in fact, income is up slightly.
- School meals have improved with pre-packaged salads added at lunch and fewer high-fat/high-sugar items at breakfast.
- Teachers and students have been involved in the process of improving nutrition through surveys about food preferences and the integration of nutrition into classroom curricula.
- Partnerships have been developed with local pediatricians, who have testified on childhood obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease at school board meetings, and the State dairy council affiliate, which has supported nutrition education and milk vending initiatives.
- In the remaining years of the plan, the district will develop more specific nutrient standards and offer healthier food and beverage options in all schools.
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