The Healthy Menu Project: Role of the School Nurse: Youth–Adult Shared Partnerships Help Change a School Lunch Menu

Abstract

School nurses play an important role in addressing childhood obesity. Although schools who participate in the Federal School Lunch Program follow mandated dietary guidelines, changes to the menu can be made that will have a positive impact on the health of our school community. Students receive nutrition health education, including learning about the importance of choosing whole and unprocessed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains and limiting sugars. However, what we are teaching students may not mirror what is actually being served during lunchtime. It is important to listen to students to determine if they are satisfied with what they are being served, as well as to determine if students are actually eating the food being served. Henry Barnard School, an elementary school, in Providence, Rhode Island, embarked on a successful project that took place during the 2017-2018 school year. The goal was to increase overall satisfaction and healthy options of our school lunch menu by creating youth–adult shared partnerships and empowering students throughout the process.