Fulton schools embracing healthy eating program

Fulton County schools are learning that if you feed them, students will eat. Healthy foods, that is.

This year’s focus on health and wellness prompted some dramatic changes: The sugary snacks and beverages that filled vending machines were tossed out for fruit snacks, low-calorie popcorn, skim milk and bottled water. Breakfast and lunch menus also were revamped: Kiddie cereals, syrup and grits were replaced with whole-grain cereals, bagels and fruit. French fries are baked and pizza, when served, contains low-fat cheese on whole-wheat crust. Cute cupcakes and candy sent by parents were kicked out.

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Maureen Wheeler

Palmetto Elementary School teacher Kimberly Statzer dances and exercises with Myon’e Blackson (left), Marcus Smith and Ta’Mia Stargell (back to camera).

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“We’re changing the culture,” said Emily Massey, principal of Seaborn Lee Elementary, one of 16 schools in the county that adopted the “Healthy Kids, Smart Kids” initiative this year. More than 15,000 Fulton County students, along with their parents, teachers and staff, have pledged to participate.

“Healthy Kids, Smart Kids” was founded in 1999 by DeKalb County principal Yvonne Sanders-Butler to create a healthier school environment, improve student attendance and grades and decrease nurse, counseling and discipline referrals. It gained national acclaim and became a model for school systems throughout the nation.

Under the program, faculty, staff and parents are educated about childhood health, nutrition and obesity and provided with cooking demonstrations and tips. Structured physical activity also plays a large role in the program.

“It’s planting a seed to get them thinking about nutrition and health,” said Seaborn Lee’s Massey, who checks lunchboxes in the cafeteria and offers suggestions on food selections brought from home. After the morning announcements, music plays and Massey races down the hall to join students for 10 minutes of dancing, yoga, Tae-Bo or even football-type drills.

Maureen Wheeler, principal of Palmetto Elementary, was pleasantly surprised by the lack of resistance from teachers and parents who have embraced the program. Educating them about the importance of the program made the transition much easier, and the children followed along with the adults, she said.

“It’s a complete change in mind-set,” Wheeler said, noting a decline in discipline referrals and more focus from her 600 students. She expects an increase in academics to come later. “It’s been incredible.”

Other participating “Healthy Kids, Smart Kids” Fulton County schools include Creekside, McClarin and Westlake high schools; Bear Creek, Camp Creek, Renaissance and Sandtown middle schools; and Campbell, Liberty Point, Oakley, Evoline C. West, A. Phillip Randolph, Renaissance and Stonewall Tell elementary schools.