EG schools try to incorporate healthy eating habits

By Louise Tetreault/Independent Staff Writer

EAST GREENWICH - When it comes to eating healthy, Kids First and the School Department's lunch vendor Aramark are joining forces to get the district's children to learn more about what they eat and where it comes from.

On Oct. 22, East Greenwich held the second of three planned Harvest Fests to celebrate and support Rhode Island farms and raise awareness of sustainable agriculture and local sourcing.

"We're interested in showcasing healthy food and local food," said Annie Stoehr, director of nutrition services for Aramark.

Students at Cole Middle School got to try spicy roasted potatoes, broccoli and a variety of apples as part of the Harvest Fest.

"We set up a display and gave students an opportunity to taste a variety of different apples," Stoehr said. "What we are really about is recognizing the need to change people's dietary habits. You have to talk about the product and get them to touch it and taste it and eat it."

Harvest Fest is part of the Rhode Island Farm to School Project, a statewide collaboration designed to bring Rhode Island farm products, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh milk, into all Rhode Island school districts. As coordinator of the program, Kids First aims to increase the amount of farm products that are offered to children in schools by developing purchasing relationships between school food service providers and Rhode Island producers/farmers and by delivering companion educational programs for staff and students.

Students at Frenchtown Elementary got their first taste of the program in September when the Cool Café, a healthy food bar, was set up at their school. Among the choices were fresh zucchini strips and cherry tomatoes.

"We find that students are more likely to take it as a lunch item if they try it before hand," Stoehr said.

Another program is tentatively planned for December at another one of the district's schools. That event, Stoehr said, will most likely focus on fall vegetables such as potatoes and apple cider.

The program is working, according to Stoehr.

"I have noticed a change. Students are much more apt to try the healthier items. Kids are making good choices," she said.

Stoehr related a conversation she heard at Cole between a male student and the school nurse.

"He said, 'did you try those Macoun apples? They're great.'"

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Letter: EG can set example for RI

I hope that we, as candidates, lived up to your expectations. Politics can be a tough business. Yet, public service is its own reward. As John F. Kennedy once said, "One person can make a difference, and every person should try." I believe that. I also believe that those who run and serve do so because they genuinely want to give something back to their community. I hope you agree that East Greenwich has some outstanding people who ran and who will serve us well.

My campaign for state representative was a truly rewarding experience. Although I did not win the election, I am so deeply appreciative for the tremendous amount of support I received from everyone. I congratulated Rep. [Bob] Watson (R-Dist. 30) on his win, and will do whatever I can to help him as he serves us in the House. I am personally grateful to the members of the East Greenwich Democratic Town Committee, the Moderate Party of Rhode Island, my friends, my family and especially my two sons, Neil and James (who are very proud of their mom). Please know that I will continue to be a strong advocate for good government, fiscal accountability/transparency and education reform.

I am looking forward to continuing my service as a member of the East Greenwich School Committee as I complete my term over the next two years. Together, with our newly elected members, I believe we can set an example for the rest of the state in academic achievement, sensible fiscal policy and uniting the community around improving educational outcomes for our children.

The School Committee has many challenges ahead, including:

1. Proposing fiscally and educationally sound budgets

2. Negotiating a fair and fiscally prudent teacher contract

3. Working with the Building Committee, school and town administration and the Town Council to fulfill our obligation to the community to flawlessly execute the construction of a new middle school and the other approved renovations

4. Funding for the timely and adequate ongoing maintenance of all facilities

5. Improving upon our high standard of academic excellence

It is my belief that the entire community can, and will, play a huge part in achieving these goals by staying engaged, volunteering time and energy and renewing a commitment to making education a top priority in East Greenwich. We are all in this together.

To each and every resident: Never forget that we, your elected officials, work for you. You elected us to serve you and we are accountable to you. Stay involved, ask questions and hold each of us accountable. It isn't always easy to make the difficult decisions and shoulder the criticism. But, those of us who choose to serve, whether elected or appointed, do so out of love for our community and realize that being accountable is a part of that responsibility. I also believe that each of us entrusted to serve will do so to the best of our abilities with honesty, honor and respect.

Jean Ann W. Guliano

Member

East Greenwich

School Committee

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