Conference to Help Enhance School Meals and Child Nutrition

Guest Blogger: Angela Olige, Assistant Commissioner for Food and Nutrition Division

In an ongoing effort to promote healthy eating habits to Texas schoolchildren, the Texas Department of Agriculture hosted a booth at the School Nutrition Association's annual national conference in Dallas, July 11-14. School nutrition professionals from across the nation attended to share ideas and best practices for improving child nutrition, while also learning about new foods available to school districts and students, grades K-12.

White House chef Sam Kass made a special appearance and presented a healthy cooking demonstration.

Overall, the conference was a great educational experience and served to promote the 3E's of Healthy Living -- Education, Exercise and Eating Right!

Battling Childhood Hunger is a Collaborative Effort

Guest Blogger - Deputy Commissioner Drew DeBerry

I spent some time yesterday with the kids at the Boys and Girls Club in South Austin where we at the Texas Department of Agriculture are partnering with the Capital Area Food bank (CAFB) to deliver federally-funded, free meals to children, many of whom do not know where their next meal is coming from.

It was rewarding to hear one child, Joseph, explain the values of the meals to him. Through his humorous description of himself as the "good-looking one" out of him and his twin brother, it was impossible to overlook the sincerity and impact these programs have on his family. I also enjoyed talking with Joe, Matthew, Mario, Stephanie and so many other thankful children who are solid reminders of why we do what we do.

We must remember that all Texans benefit from a healthy state, and that's why it's imperative we change our No. 1 national ranking in childhood food insecurity. Through Commissioner Staples' Mayors Challenge and with the help of organizations like the CAFB and the Boys and Girls Club, we can raise awareness of these federally funded, free meals and bridge the hunger gap in Texas.

Three Texas ISDs Recognized Nationally as "Districts of Excellence"

The School Nutrition Association recently named only nine school districts in the entire nation as "Districts of Excellence Distinction in School Nutrition." It's no surprise three of them were right here in Texas. Hey, like the saying goes, "it ain't braggin' if it's true!"

Congratulations to the Dallas Independent School District, the El Paso Independent School District and the Canutillo Independent School District for their hard-earned awards. The child nutrition programs in these districts exemplify the 3E's of Healthy Living – Education, Exercise and Eating Right. The Texas Department of Agriculture is proud to be a Partner for Progress with these school districts.

To be chosen for this honor, districts must prove they work with the community to ensure students learn life-long healthy nutrition habits. They also must demonstrate commitment to continuous program improvement.

I'd also like to thank the child nutrition teams across the Lone Star State for their continuous hard work and dedication as they strive to exceed national standards to ensure Texas children are getting the healthiest meals. Together we can make Texas a healthier state.

What the Economic Stimulus Means to Texas

Whether you are in favor of the federal stimulus package or against it, Congress has acted and President Obama has signed the economic stimulus bill into law.

As a result, Texas is poised to receive more than $16 million for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s nutrition and food distribution programs. Just over $8 million will help schools across Texas buy better cooking equipment, enabling them to prepare healthier meals, and to purchase additional refrigeration to hold more fresh produce, in turn helping TDA with its mission to curb childhood obesity.

Another $8 million or so will go to the Texas Commodity Assistance Program – a critical program that provides USDA commodities, such as fruits and vegetables, to underprivileged individuals through food banks and other emergency food services. This relief is coming at a time when food banks are seeing a heavier demand than usual.

The bottom line is the Texas economy is in much better shape than that of most states in the U.S. Still, no Texan is immune to the challenges our economy faces. That’s why TDA is working with agribusinesses, producers, lawmakers and other stakeholders to ensure the Texas agriculture industry is doing its part to keep Texas’ economy strong.

National School Lunch Week a Success

Today I’d like to thank everyone who helped make National School Lunch Week a success.

Me with Eden ISD's hard-working cafeteria employees

While visiting Gonzales ISD, Eden ISD and Bellville ISD last week, I met with students and staff who are making smart nutrition choices. It was an honor to recognize O’Bryant Intermediate School in Bellville as a US Healthier School Challenge Gold Award winner. Their school’s hard work and commitment to healthy school meals paid off, making O’Bryant Intermediate only the third school in Texas to win the gold distinction.

Eating lunch with the great kids at Gonzales Elementary School

At each school, I encountered wonderful and dedicated cafeteria staff and teachers who take care of our school kids every day. It was great to hear how appreciative they are of the efforts of TDA employees, especially in the Food and Nutrition Division. Together, they have all contributed to the success of the National School Lunch program. TDA is dedicated to making sure our customers, Texas children, are happy and healthy.

Students at O'Bryant Intermediate School in Bellville load up on school-served vegetables. No wonder they won the gold!