Success Story: Buncombe County Pilots Eat Smart Nutrition Standards
The Buncombe County Child Nutrition Program is on a mission and is giving other Child Nutrition programs across the state something to talk about. By providing high quality food, excellent service and good nutrition at a reasonable cost, they are working to provide an opportunity for optimal learning and good health for students across the county.
In striving to reach its goals, Buncombe County volunteered and participated in the pilot for Eat Smart: North Carolina’s Recommended Standards for All Foods Available in School. Lisa Payne, Child Nutrition Director in Buncombe County, oversaw the implementation of the Eat Smart Standards in 24 elementary schools and the pilot program was more successful than ever expected.
"Working with a group of professionals to establish statewide nutrition standards is very exciting. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the children of Buncombe County Schools and the State of North Carolina in this capacity."
Lisa Payne, Buncombe County Child Nutrition Director
The Road to Success
Early on, as the pilot program was starting – there was worry in Buncombe County Schools about financial loss. Child Nutrition Programs have to be financially sustainable and a large portion of their revenue comes from the sale of high calorie a la carte items. The cafeteria staff was apprehensive about implementing changes, as the potential loss in the elementary schools was about $140,000. However, they rose to the challenge and the amount actually lost during the pilot was much lower than expected – only $1100! The students simply spent their money on healthier foods, resulting in minimal financial impact.
Establishing healthy eating habits at the elementary school age is of large importance as we strive to encourage the development of healthy behaviors. Buncombe County elementary school cafeterias now offer fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Students have the option to build their own salads and salad bars are mandatory in the cafeteria on three days each week. Milk is one percent fat or less and all juices are 100 percent fruit juice. The chips are baked and Buncombe County cafeterias will soon carry only whole grain breads. You won’t find any fried foods in any of the elementary schools - students can enjoy frozen fruit bars instead.
In order to get the buy-in of teachers, other school officials, parents, and the students themselves, Buncombe County Child Nutrition kept the lines of communication open. They held meetings with parents and teachers to educate them on the Eat Smart Standards and what was involved with the implementation of the pilot. They wrote and distributed communication pieces on the back of school menus. Newsletters home also helped keep the parents in the "know." Parents noted that their children were telling them "you can’t eat that" in reference to unhealthy food items the parents were choosing.
Buncombe County Child Nutrition and the elementary schools that participated in the Eat Smart Standards pilot received continuous support from the community, school administration and parents. Payne said that the school administrators are all very conscious of the health of their students. The Associate Superintendent in Buncombe County has a health education background – so the pilot really appealed to him and he has been a huge advocate for healthy eating in the schools.
Payne said, "working with a group of professionals to establish statewide nutrition standards is very exciting. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the children of Buncombe County Schools and the State of North Carolina in this capacity."
Payne must have the right attitude – she and her staff managed to bring the community together and have begun paving the way to healthier futures for students in Buncombe County. As a result of implementation of the Eat Smart Standards, elementary school students in Buncombe County are choosing fruit, water and juice as they make their way through the lunch lines. This is a big step in the right direction.
Although the pilot has been completed, Payne says they will continue with the Eat Smart Standards in Buncombe County.
Stepping Stones...
- Parents want to be in the loop concerning anything going on in their children’s schools, as do teachers and other school officials. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage involvement.
- A great network of support also contributed to the success of the pilot program. Look for ways to encourage support from the community, school administration and parents.
- Words of advice to other Child Nutrition Programs striving to improve nutrition in schools: "start now."
Contact Information
Name, Title: Lisa Payne, Buncombe County Child Nutrition Director
Address: 175 Bingham Road
City, State, Zip: Asheville, NC 28806-3800
Phone: 828-255-5932
Fax: 828-255-5899
Email: Elizabeth.payne@bcsemail.org
