“Smart Choices” in Clague Middle School's Cafeteria

Congratulations are in order to all Clague Middle School students, faculty, and staff! After participating in Project Healthy Schools during 2005-2006, Clague students:

• increased fruit and vegetable consumption by 10%, and
• lowered cholesterol and lipid levels

How did they do it?

In addition to Project Healthy School’s “mini-lessons” in classrooms, monthly health assemblies, and student rewards for making healthy choices, Clague’s success is also due to changes to cafeteria food choices.

Designed to complement Project Healthy Schools’ nutrition education and promotion, students at Clague can no longer purchase a double bacon cheeseburger or candy for lunch and can now choose a peanut butter/celery “porcupine” or lowfat yogurt.

Using input from students and parents, Project Healthy School staff worked with Chartwells (Ann Arbor School District's food service provider) to provide students with these and other healthier cafeteria alternatives. They also eliminated all soda from vending machines. See below for other healthy cafeteria changes! For more information, contact Jean DuRussell-Weston at jdurusse@umich.edu with Project Healthy Schools.

Changes to Cafeteria Choices: