As you can see, this effort was an extraordinary move to disrupt the marketplace and change the way schools procure food. The bold steps that the Alliance made in this process now serve as stepping stones for future initiatives. Despite its challenges this pilot proved that a new approach to procurement was possible. “The advice I would give to anyone that’s thinking of taking on a project of such magnitude is to understand that you must have patience. It’s going to take time. You’ll need to first show some successes – so even small bites of the apple – getting four or five districts to cooperate is better than none. Once you have proven success, others will join on board because they want to be a part of the success.” Rick Garcia, Frontier Food Group
READY, SET, LAUNCH
Just do it. Just stick with it and don’t let large food manufacturers and industry tell us what we can serve our kids. We need to stay strong to our values. ~ Anneliese Tanner ~ Boston Public Schools
Ready to join the cause?
The Urban School Food Alliance is committed to NAE and we are not looking back. The future of higher quality, clean-label ingredients in schools depends on the entire industry working together. Don’t just take it from us, be encouraged by two of our member districts on your path to incorporating more values-based procurement standards. “Just do it. Just stick with it and don’t let large food manufacturers and industry tell us what we can serve our kids. We need to stay strong to our values, make changes to our menus, be creative, and send the message that we’re strong on our science-based decisions around what we’re serving our kids.” Anneliese Tanner, Boston Public Schools “There’s strength in numbers - join other school districts, join other organizations, and utilize Urban School Food Alliance. But then also get your parents, your students, and your community involved too.” Florence Simpson, Los Angeles Unified School District
PAGE 16 | BOOST THE ROOST | USFA INITIATIVE RECAP
Powered by FlippingBook