Field of Work: Improving school meals
Problem Synopsis: Soaring food and energy costs, the lure of fast food, tight state budgets and low federal reimbursement rates have prevented schools from providing healthier and tastier meals. In 2009 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified farm-to-school programs as an effective vehicle for improving the quality of student meals and enhancing nutrition education.
Synopsis of the Work: The Community Food Security Coalition, based in Portland, Ore., enlisted support for farm-to-school programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); among food activists inside and outside the coalition; and among food service staff, teachers, parents and students.