“Congratulations to both Metz & Associates and the Pennsbury School District on this tremendous accomplishment,” said Carla Sakson, school marketing manager for the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. “Metz and the District have shown great leadership in supporting wellness policies and addressing the need for positive changes in students’ eating and exercise habits.”
Four applications submitted on behalf of the Pennsbury School District by Metz & Associates were selected as award winners out of a pool of 39 applications. The Pennsbury applications submitted won 2nd place, 3rd place, and received two honorable mentions for the large school district division. The award money totaled $15,000 between the four applications and Metz & Associates also received $400 in gift cards to Dick’s Sporting Goods- one for each of the four applications received.
“We are planning to use the SWEL award funds to make some healthy changes in the school dining program, including the introduction of healthier grab-n-go items,” said Amy Brinton, RD, LDN, nutrition educator, Metz & Associates, Ltd. at Pennsbury School District. “We hope to increase meal participation through with the addition of healthy, pre-made wraps, salads and sandwiches, in addition to the introduction of a selection of vegetarian entrées.”
The Metz team at Pennsbury has already introduced a new healthy meal option called the Make-Your-Own Parfait Station. The station features two types of yogurt, whole grain low-fat granola and an assortment of fresh fruits. Students can purchase the parfaits as a healthy school meal, which includes a side salad and milk or 100% juice as a beverage.
The Metz team plans to utilize the Dick’s Sporting Goods gift cards to purchase fitness items to use for the Healthy Eaters Club, an elective program offered to elementary school students monthly during recess. During each Healthy Eater’s Club session, students prepare and try a healthy snack, learn about the relationship between food and health, and play active games.
Brinton and the Metz team at Pennsbury focus on an array of programs to keep nutrition and wellness at the forefront of education. Nutrition education events held at the District include P.A.C.K. (Pack Assorted Colors for Kids) Week, which encourages kids to eat colorful fruits and vegetables; classroom presentations on topics such as Portion Distortion and Healthy Snacking; a 3-A-Day of Dairy program; Healthy Classroom Parties; and a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which includes 3 fresh produce snacks for students every week.
“Our program is unique in that we seek out ways to incorporate nutrition education into the cafeteria,” Brinton said. “Everyone here works as a team to make nutrition education happen through signage, posters, taste-testing, various wellness programs, and by ensuring that meals are balanced and portions are controlled. We also strive to plan creative ways to offer tasty food that meets Wellness Policy guidelines.”
Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.
