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A grassroots, parent advocacy group promoting whole, delicious, fresh foods in the Montgomery County Public Schools.

A grassroots, parent advocacy group promoting whole, delicious, fresh foods in the Montgomery County Public Schools. RFKM Mission.

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A grassroots, parent advocacy group promoting whole, delicious, fresh foods in the Montgomery County Public Schools.

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  1. A grassroots, parent advocacy group promoting whole, delicious, fresh foods in the Montgomery County Public Schools.

  2. RFKM Mission • Our mission is to advocate for fresh, whole and nutrient-rich foods in Montgomery County Public Schools, to reduce the availability of foods that are low in nutritional value, and to increase the availability of local and sustainable foods. • We seek to collaborate with MCPS and other community stakeholders, recognizing that wholesome food is an educational investment that leads to academic success, improved behavior, and better health outcomes. • We believe that improving students' food options is a critical part of MCPS's commitment to support the whole child.

  3. WHY IMPROVE THE FOOD? • One in three children are overweight or obese • Many students consume more than half of their daily calories at school • Studies link childhood obesity and learning and behavior problems to junk food, and even specifically to school food

  4. The School Food Reality

  5. Unapproved (off during school day) Approved (on during school day)

  6. RFKM Background • Started October 1, 2012 through a meeting of 2 concerned parents, Karen Devitt and Lindsey Parsons, who went on to become the co-founders. • Since October of last year, RFKM has grown to represent 126 schools –62% of MCPS’ 202 schools - with over 1000 supporters as of January 2014.

  7. RFKM Strategy for School Food Reform • Building membership of parents from each school until we have a rep at each • Periodically polling members on their priorities • Starting school wellness committees • Using member base to advocate for change at the school level

  8. RFKM Strategy for School Food Reform • At the county level, collaborating with MCPS Division of Food and Nutrition Services, the Board of Education and the Superintendent to bring about change • Doing education and research • Conducting outreach and community building through public events • Working on statewide legislation

  9. RFKM Current Initiatives • Bi-monthly member gatherings • Sign-on letter • Petition • Statewide legislation on competitive foods and wellness committees

  10. RFKM Victories • Removal of strawberry milk in spring 2014 • Delay in non-approved vending sales to 30 minutes after end of school day in fall 2013 • Trial of healthier vending and a la carte at Takoma Park Middle School in fall of 2013 • A la carte sales and account blocking mentioned on menus in elementary schools and on MCPS web site in June 2013

  11. RFKM Current Priorities • Free, unlimited water in cafeterias • Transition from processed “junk” foods to freshly prepared meals • Removal of harmful chemicals • Healthier a la carte and vending options

  12. RFKM Current Priorities • Setting an upper limit for sugar in all products • List of a la carte foods sent to parents yearly and listed on menus • Unlimited fruits and vegetables free to all children who purchase lunch

  13. What Are Your Concerns? • Many members share these concerns: • Teachers rewarding children with food/candy • Sugary breakfasts in the classroom • Junk food at celebrations, fundraisers, after- school activities • Over-reliance on processed food such as pizza, french fries, hamburgers, etc.

  14. How You Can Help • Join RFKM by giving us your name and e-mail address • Like us on Facebook and join our Yahoo Group • Tell your friends about us • Form or join a Wellness Committee at your school • Help with an audit of your school’s food environment • Talk to your principal and cafeteria manager about what you’d like to see changed

  15. Upcoming Events • RFKM Member Gathering and Benefit Night Pete’s New Haven Style APizza 962 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring Tuesday, Feb. 18th, 6-8 p.m.

  16. Communication Tools • Yahoo Group: MCPS_Better_Food • Web Page: www.realfoodforkidsmontgomery.org • Facebook Page: RealFoodforKidsMontgomery • Twitter @realfoodMCPS • Email: realfoodMCPS@gmail.com • Phone: 301-202-4812 • Weekly e-newsletter

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