M-DCPS CELEBRATES NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK


October 8, 2004

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) will highlight the importance and benefits of school meals to a child's success when schools celebrate National School Lunch Week, Oct. 11 &endash; 15.

M-DCPS' Department of Food and Nutrition provides a number of meal services, including breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks. Healthy, nutritious foods are available at reasonable prices, and free and reduced-priced meals are available to children unable to pay the full price. Beginning this school year, breakfast is free to all students.

The theme this year is "Reach Your Peak With School Lunch," which promotes healthy lunches for all students, encouraging children to "reach their peak" by eating nutritious meals. Studies have shown that children who eat nutritious meals perform better in all aspects of their lives.

The Department of Food and Nutrition has won several awards in recent years, including the USDA Best Practice award in 2001 for Creative Implementation of the School Meal Initiative and in 2002 for Promoting a Healthy School Environment with healthy school meals and nutrition education. They also were rated second in the country for providing a healthier menu for students by the Physicians for Responsible Medicine in 2003.

For additional information, contact Carol Chong, Department of Food and Nutrition, at 786-275-0446.

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