Below are resources and activities that were promoted and supported by OSSE during Growing Healthy Schools Month in 2019. Please note that 2019 contest entry forms are closed, and there are no contests for Growing Healthy Schools Month 2020.
Farm to School
Resources
- OSSE Farm to School Program
- National Farm to School Network
- National Farm to School Month
- Sign up for the DC Farm to School Newsletter
Activities
- Celebrate Growing Healthy Schools Month and National Farm to School Month by participating in a farm to school activity in the cafeteria, classroom, school garden, or beyond. Taste test a new local food, trace the pathways of your lunch, read a book in the school garden, or take a field trip to a nearby farm.
Events
- National Farm to School Month
- October is National Farm To School Month, a time to celebrate the connections happening all over the country between children and local food! The National Farm to School Network advocated for the creation of National Farm to School Month by Congress in 2010 and now organizes the annual celebration with dozens of partners across the country.
Contests
Farm To School Champion Award
Is someone at your school a champion for the Farm to School movement? If so, nominate them for the Farm to School Champion Award! A Farm to School Champion could be a teacher, administrator, student, parent, or community member like a farmer who supports the Farm to School Movement at your school.
Winners will receive a prize and be recognized at our Growing Healthy Schools Month Celebration this Fall. Nominate someone today
School Gardens
Resources and Activities
Events
- School Garden Bicycle Tour
OSSE's School Gardens Program, BicycleSPACE, FoodCorps DC and SlowFood DC co-sponsor the DC School Garden Bike Tour. Each year, the co-sponsors host a tour to celebrate Growing Healthy Schools Month to highlight the budding school gardens throughout the city. The purpose of these tours is to engage the public with school gardens, encourage innovative partnerships between the communities and schools, and highlight the role of school gardens. Register
Please note: Donations are not required to participate in the School Garden Bicycle Tour.
Contests
The Gilda Allen Best School Garden Award
DC is home to 134 schools with gardens but which is the best? Students are challenged to write a short essay answering the question: “Why is your school garden the best school garden in the District?” Register for the contest here. See past winners and read their essays.
Nutrition
Resources
- OSSE National School Lunch Program
- School Nutrition Association
- Food Allergy Research and Education Posters and Infographics
- Managing Food Allergies in Schools
- Recognize and Respond to Allergic Reactions
Events
National School Lunch Week
President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. During this annual weeklong celebration, students around the country celebrate in their cafeterias, schools and districts with special menus, events, student activities and more.
The 2019 National School Lunch Week theme is “School Lunch: What’s on Your Playlist” which spotlights how today’s school cafeterias are serving up the menu items that kids want to eat, with increased choice and customization.
Visit the School Nutrition Association website for resources, activities, and ideas for how to celebrate National School Lunch Week.
Physical Activity and Education
Resources
- CDC Comprehensive Physical Activity Programs Guide
- Action for Healthy Kids Classroom Physical Activity Breaks
Activities
Achieve your local wellness policy goals and celebrate Growing Healthy Schools Month by incorporating Movement in Classrooms to reach recommended levels of physical activity
Contests
Brain Boost Award
Brain boosters are activities that get students moving during the school day. Entries can be anywhere from 30 seconds to three minutes in length. Silliness and creativity are encouraged. Submit a video or a description of a classroom brain boost/break activity to be considered for the Growing Healthy School's Month Classroom Brain Boost Award.
Environmental Literacy
Resources and Activities
Related Content: Growing Healthy Schools Month
