Child Nutrition Council Celebrates An Anniversary

RYE BROOK, N.Y. — Chartwells School Dining Services, the company that serves breakfast and lunch to more than 2.5 million school children each day, including Newtown students, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Child Nutrition Advisory Council. The council was brought together in order for Chartwells to continue as a leader in the areas of child nutrition and school foodservice.

With the ever-changing school nutrition environment and the overweight and inactivity crisis still reaching epidemic proportions in the country, it is important to form strong alliances with experts in the field of child nutrition, said Keith Cullinan, president of Chartwells. “This council quantifies our commitment to the students and communities we serve. Our goal is to continue to implement programs in the schools that we partner with that are focused on the health and wellness of our young customers.”

This group of distinguished scientists and industry leaders in the areas of physical activity, childhood nutrition, and culinary trends assists Chartwells in accomplishing its mission to implement programs that foster healthy habits in the communities in which they serve.

Two successful meetings have been held within the past year. The inaugural meeting took place in Washington, D.C., along with the Action for Healthy Kids 2005 Healthy Schools Summit. The partnership with the advisory council allows Chartwells to tap into the knowledge and expertise of each member to review current scientific findings, gather feedback, and receive guidance and evaluation for future programs.

Special attention is given to Balanced Choices, Chartwells’ comprehensive approach to the health and well-being of the students they serve. Direction is also given by council members to evaluate where Chartwells currently stands, and where they need to go to remain school foodservice industry leaders, including the role of school foodservice nutrition education in the cafeteria and classroom, promoting physical activity in schools, and involving parents and the community in promoting a healthy school environment.

“More than good foodservice, Chartwells strives to create a lunch lab where those who serve and those who eat, learn about good nutrition,” said Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD, professor of preventative medicine, Northwestern University, and member of Chartwells Child Nutrition Advisory Council.