It is back to school time and schools, cafeterias, and parents are trying to piece together how the 2020-2021 academic year will look among the COVID-19 pandemic.  While school districts are coming up with in-person, virtual, and a hybrid of both in-person and virtual learning options, parents and school nutrition directors are inventing ways to keep nutritious foods, like dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain, in students’ daily routines.

During stay at home orders, schools were quick on their feet when it came to delivering students much needed nutrition.  According to a recent School Nutrition Association survey, more than 80% of schools offered food boxes via drive-through pick up.  These boxes, which included items like gallons of milk, fruits, and vegetables, contained up to a week’s worth of food to create balanced breakfasts and lunches at home.

Now school nutrition directors are re-imagining what meal service will look like in the future.  With so much uncertainty in the new school year, many schools may have to do away with a traditional lunch period in the cafeteria in order to maintain health, safety, and social distancing.  To do this, some schools are looking at expanding one popular breakfast program, Breakfast In The Classroom, to lunch as well.  This possible solution to school meals would deliver lunch directly to students in the classroom to consume at their desks.

No matter the method a school chooses to get food to their students, the St. Louis District Dairy Council (SLDDC) is trying to help with the unforeseeable future that schools will face with their Dollars for Dairy Grant.  This is a great opportunity for schools over the summer months to apply to receive funding to help get healthy foods like dairy to students. We have seen an increase in grant applications for coolers, insulated bags, and mobile carts - all which would allow school nutrition staff to safely get food to students in the classroom.

While school nutrition directors are tackling meals in the schools, parents who choose to homeschool or participate in virtual learning this coming school year will be tasked with providing balanced meals and snacks in their homes.  Healthy eating has been linked to better learning, memory and higher grades, but figuring out healthy meals and snacks can be an added stress to families unable to participate in school meal options through school districts. 

To promote healthy eating and brain function outside of school meals, parents should provide their kids with smaller meals and snacks every 3 to 4 hours.  Focusing on foods that contain protein and fiber can help promote a feeling of fullness as well as providing daily essential vitamins and minerals. 

The dairy group packs a powerful nutrition package, including 8 grams of protein per serving, and can be paired with any food group to create an easy and balanced meal or snack.  Healthy snack and meal ideas include fruit smoothies made with yogurt, string cheese paired with whole grain crackers, whole grain pitas filled with turkey and cheese, vegetable quesadillas, or oatmeal with milk.  The possibilities are endless!