Local Farmers Building Stronger Students: Chaffee Elementary Awarded Grant

Chaffee, MO October 2015 Chaffee Elementary School in the Chaffee R-11 School District recently received help from local farmers in its efforts to build a healthier student body. The school was one of 27 Missouri schools awarded a Dollars for Dairy grant to encourage students to choose nutrient-rich dairy foods during school meals. The award, funded by local dairy farmers, is provided through St. Louis District Dairy Council, a non-profit nutrition education organization.

"As October is National Farm to School Month, it's the perfect time to highlight the connections happening between schools and local food, like dairy, states Laura Morton, Nutrition Educator with St. Louis District Dairy Council. Originally declared by Congress in 2010, Farm to School Month recognizes the important role local farmers play in promoting well-being among children and strong local economies.

"Dollars for Dairy is another way Missouri farmers contribute to local communities and help students make healthier choices," notes Morton.

The 2015-2016 school years marks the fourth year that Missouri schools have had the opportunity to enhance student health through the program. Last spring, 122 schools submitted proposals aimed at boosting dairy consumption in schools. After going through a competitive application review, the winning schools were announced in July.

Schools awarded Dollars for Dairy grants will be conducting a variety of projects, such as adding yogurt parfaits to breakfast menus, setting up smoothie stations in cafeterias, and moving breakfast service from the cafeteria to the classroom. Chaffee Elementary School is using the funds to purchase a new cart for the breakfast in the classroom program.

All of the projects are designed to encourage students to make smart choices at breakfast and lunch. "We're excited to support local schools in their efforts to boost student health and wellness," says Morton. "Drinking milk and eating dairy foods makes it easy for kids to get the bone-building calcium and other nutrients their growing bodies need."