BVSD integrates innovative Harvest of the Month program to promote healthy habits among students

Hands-on activities and interactive learning is expected to encourage increased fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity.

BOULDER - Healthy eating and daily physical activity have a profound impact on improving students' ability to learn. The Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) announced today that the district will implement Colorado School's Harvest of the Month, a program that emphasizes fresh produce (Colorado grown whenever possible) and communicates a positive message about nutrition and physical activity, in its food service program. Throughout the school year this program will extend from the classroom and cafeteria to the home and community, promoting healthier habits and futures for our students.

Eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and getting physical activity every day not only reduces the risks of developing chronic diseases, but research shows it also helps children improve academic performance and classroom behavior. The Colorado School's Harvest of the Month program allows students to taste and explore a different fruit or vegetable each month in the cafeteria and in the classroom. By focusing on a particular produce item each month, students learn about the various nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables, history, fun facts and botanical and growing information.

The program components include the following: brightly colored menu shells spotlighting the Harvest of the Month item; posters featuring "real students" and the Harvest of the Month theme; good nutrition and physical activity newsletter pieces including recipes, nutrition information and physical activity tips for inclusion in school newsletters.

For more information on this groundbreaking program, visit http://www.d11.org/fns/harvest.htmor contact BVSD Food Services Director Linda Stoll at linda.stoll@bvsd.org.