October 15th started a whirlwind of events for the Dairy Council of Nevada’s star employee, Daisy the Cow. This date marked the start of National School Lunch Week (NSLW) which according to the National School Nutrition Association (SNA) was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. SNA suggests that National School Lunch Week can be used to increase student participation in the school lunch program and spread the message to parents and the schools own faculty that students are being served a healthy school lunch.1
Clark County School District is the 5th largest school district in the nation and according to 2016-2017 data it is comprised of 216 Elementary schools, 59 Middle schools, 49 High schools, 19 Alternative schools, and 8 special schools. Out of CCSD’s 351 schools and approximately 322,770 students about 63.6% qualify for free and reduced lunch.2 That is why CCSD’s Food Service Department had the goal this year to really promote National School Lunch Week and to share all of the amazing improvements they have made toward healthier, tastier options. This year CCSD’s foodservice has also, implemented an online menu where parents, students, and faculty can see what schools are serving on a daily basis and how these meals meet national standards. This includes a nutritional breakdown of each item the student is being served.3
In celebration of National School Lunch Week, Daisy, along with many of Nevada’s legislators and Clark County’s new Superintendent, Dr. Jesus F. Jara, visited several schools. At many of the schools, Daisy along with her teammates Jennifer Cuozzo and Jake Yarberry were able to get on stage and let the students and staff know about the Dairy Council of Nevada®, Fuel Up to Play 60, and the benefits of milk in building strong bodies. Daisy was also partnered with her fellow mascot and friend Clark County School District’s own “Sporky”! At the end of each lunch period, Daisy greeted students while her teammates Jen and Jake, passed out DCNV swag and shared information on activating the fun, in-school wellness program, Fuel Up to Play 60. Daisy felt that CCSD’s School Lunch Week was a huge success and is looking forward to continuing her school appearances and promoting dairy….for-heifer!!!!
References:
1. About NSLW. (2018). Retrieved November 9, 2018, from https://schoolnutrition.org/meetings/events/nslw/2018/about/
2. C. (n.d.). Fast FActs 2016-17, from http://static.ccsd.net/ccsd/content/media-files/fast-facts-2016-17.pdf
3. https://ccsd.nutrislice.com/menu
