A few months back we announced that Dr. Yum Project Dietitian Sarah Moran would be part of an exciting state-wide task force. The Task Force on Culturally Inclusive School Meals and Calendars has been working since then to develop a set of recommendations.

On September 9th, Sarah traveled to Beville Middle School in Woodbridge to meet with other task force members, Secretary of Education Atif Qarni, and Governor Ralph Northam for a presentation of the final report.

Recommendations include:

  • Helping schools understand the religious and cultural needs of their students, assess their cultural inclusivity practices, and identify opportunities for growth;
  • Creating culturally inclusive food pantries in partnership with local and faith-based organizations; and
  • Recognizing schools that implement innovative and inclusive school meal and calendar practices

You can read the full press release here.

We’re encouraged by Virginia’s attention to the importance of culturally inclusive school meals and calendars and feel honored to have been included in this effort.

Food is an important part of our cultures, traditions, and celebrations and when we are mindful of providing school meals that are inclusive of students’ dietary needs and food customs we support good nutrition, learning, and a sense of community belonging.