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Three schools in the Lewistown School District are receiving statewide recognition for their exceptional school breakfast program through the Healthier Montana Menu Challenge Award Program. Garfield School, Highland Park School and Lewis and Clark School join five other Montana schools that have received this prestigious school breakfast award since 2008. Lewiston School District serves 200 breakfast meals and 800 lunches each day.
"We all know that students who don't eat a healthy breakfast struggle to stay focused on learning in the classroom," said Superintendent Denise Juneau. "Lewistown is setting an example for schools across the state by their commitment to serving healthy meals that provide students the energy they need to succeed."
Cindy Giese, School Food Service Director, and her staff work hard to prepare fresh, healthy meals daily. School breakfast includes fresh fruit, freshly baked bread items, lean proteins, low fat dairy foods and healthy cereal choices. Lewistown students have been enjoying whole grain foods for years thanks to the school food service staff's baking skills and willingness to try new recipes. Lewistown Schools place a high priority on offering breakfast to all students, elementary through high school, and have designed breakfast bars which allow students choices and quick service.
Lewistown School District successfully met a challenging set of menu criteria to qualify for the award. Under Giese's guidance, Lewistown's school meals program is a statewide leader and role model. Mrs. Giese serves as a Montana School Food Service Peer Trainer, providing assistance to new school cooks around the state and sharing her expertise at annual training events. Lewistown School supports local agriculture by purchasing locally grown foods as much as possible.
"We believe good nutrition and healthy meals enable our students to be more successful in the learning process of the school day. We think food because our kids can't think without it!" Giese said.
According to School District Superintendent, Jason Butcher, school breakfast and lunch meals provide a significant contribution to the health and well-being of the student population. "The Lewistown Public Schools food service staff does an excellent job of providing healthy and nutritious meals for our students. Cindy Giese and the food service staff are very deserving of this award and should be proud of the service that they provide for our school district," Butcher states.
Lewistown School District will receive a $500.00 monetary award. Each school will receive an award certificate and banner.
For more information about the Healthier Montana Menu Challenge, please visit: http://www.opi.mt.gov/Programs/SchoolPrograms/School_Nutrition/HealthyMT.html#gpm1_3
Lewistown School District will celebrate the Healthy Breakfast Awards this fall. Parents, students, and community members are invited to participate! Stay tuned for more information.
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