PCRM Promotes Healthy School Lunches with Second Annual Awards

Do you know an outstanding foodservice professional who goes the extra mile to serve healthy foods in school lunchrooms? If so, please nominate them for PCRM's second annual "Golden Carrot Awards."

Winners in each category receive a $500 cash award. The grand prize winner will receive $1,000 and a $2,500 check made out to his or her school or school district.

Deadline for nominations is September 15.

With childhood obesity at an all-time high, school lunches have been under increasing scrutiny. As PCRM’s annual school lunch report has detailed for the past four years, artery-clogging meat, chicken, and dairy products dominate most school cafeteria menus. Dairy-free milks and vegan options aren’t always available, and fresh fruits and vegetables are often in short supply. The problem frequently rests with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which buys up vast quantities of surplus meats and cheeses to prop up sagging markets and then dumps them into the National School Lunch Program.

Despite these challenges, PCRM’s nutrition staff has found that many foodservice professionals are working hard to provide healthy lunches. Last year, PCRM launched an award program to acknowledge those foodservice professionals and to encourage others to do the same.

The Golden Carrot Awards recognize foodservice professionals who make a difference in their schools through innovative programs and nutrition education. Awards are based on programs that feature low-fat meals; encourage kids to eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; provide vegetarian or vegan menu items; promote cultural diversity; offer nondairy alternatives; and foster community relationships.

To nominate your favorite school lunch innovator, please contact Kim Seidl, R.D., at kseidl@pcrm.org or 202-686-2210, ext. 338. Or download the nomination form (PDF).

PCRM Online, April 2005

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