LaSalle Elementary School SNAP-Ed Assistance Beyond the Classroom

Kaitlyn Streitmatter has worked alongside food service staff in Creve Coeur to make many improvements in students’ lunchroom experience.

LaSalle Elementary Food Service Director Michelle Davis and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (SNAP-Ed) Educator Kaitlyn Streitmatter worked together to encourage students to make more healthful food choices. They started the process in the lunchroom and included strategies to reach the students’ families at home as well.

Improvement plan In order to establish a plan, a food environment assessment was conducted. After meeting with Michelle to discuss an action plan, Kaitlyn provided the school district with three hours’ worth of training meeting USDA professional development requirements.

Healthy messaging in the cafeteria Posters with nutrition education hang throughout the room. To promote national school lunch room week, students colored pictures, which were displayed on the walls. These are examples of work done to help make the lunchroom an inviting food environment. The goal is for students to feel comfortable and hopefully consume food provided by school staff. Engaging with students has been a productive step forward for LaSalle Elementary. In essence, the cafeteria has become the school’s largest classroom. Michelle transformed meal times into opportunities to educate and interact with students.

Food waste reduction In an effort to decrease food waste, Michelle implemented a “care share” or share table. Students placed whole fruit, packaged food, and unopened milk in the “care share” for other students to select and enjoy. It successfully decreased waste and provided students with an opportunity for seconds. The cafeteria staff surveyed students’ taste preferences, resulting in increased consumption and decreased waste.

Fresh fruit and vegetable grant With the help of University of Illinois Extension, LaSalle Elementary received over $17,000 from the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This money is allocated for fresh fruit and vegetables in the classroom. SNAP-Ed staff has provided in-classroom nutrition education resources for students and staff to learn more about eating healthy.