RLHPF Confrence Booklet 2020 Final - Flipbook - Page 1
Hannah Petersen | Claremont Graduate University
Upland Unified School District
Hannah Petersen- Health Policy Fellow
CHECC &
Farm to School
‘Creating Healthy Environments in
Cafeterias through Change - Schools’ is a current project with the Upland Unified
School District (UUSD) being implemented in
three elementary schools for the 2019-2020 school year. Today, problems facing
elementary school children is a high prevalence of anxiety associated with the
school day and also a low consumption of fruits and vegetables at school throughout
the lunch period. In particular, lunchtime during the school day is associated
with higher levels of anxiety, social or separation, which can lead to children
not eating enough throughout the day and not receiving essential nutrients that
in turn can then lead to increased anxiety. Over 7% of children aged 3-17 have some
form of diagnosed
anxiety that can lead to a loss of appetite.
Farm to School is another project with UUSD which enriches the connection
communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food
purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education settings.
Uninviting,
dark,
transactional
environment
Increased
levels of
anxiety during
the lunch
period
Lowered
consumption of
essential
nutrients
through fruits
and vegetables
800 SURVEY
RESPONSES
Prior to establishing the CHECC project we
surveyed staff, teachers and students at 3
elementary schools to determine problem
areas. With this data we developed CHECC.
(First image based upon 511 student
responses of the question, 'Does the
cafeteria or lunchtime make you nervous?'
(13.9% responded Yes)
Based upon evidence-based research and
the schools survey responses we began the
cafeteria makeovers. Crafted and put fruit
and vegetable art, positive reinforcement
posters and facts for students on how
various fruits and vegetables nourish our
bodies.
(Second image)
The Farm to School project within the
Upland Unified School District aims to
implement gardens and garden education in
the 14 schools around the district. I was able
to be part of the creation of 8 gardens and 2
garden clubs.
(Third image is of the Cabrillo Elementary
school garden)
Contributing Randall Lewis Health Policy Fellow
Hannah Petersen, MPH
Contributing UUSD Personnel
Ksenia Glenn- Director of Nutrition Services
Cassidy Furnari- Farm to School Project Manager
34 | Randall Lewis Health Policy Fellowship
Randall Lewis Health Policy Fellowship | 35