Diet, nutrition and health create a dynamic that is evolving on local and national levels.
Consider:
The Jefferson City School District has developed a partnership that allows it to offer more locally grown fruits and vegetables to students. This follows a recent initiative to include healthy options at concessions stands.
In partnership with food banks serving cities throughout the nation, some physicians now are "prescribing" fresh fruits and vegetable for low-income people with diabetes and high blood pressure.
The local Healthy Schools Healthy Communities organization continues to promote initiatives for healthy diets.
Nationally, the push for healthier diets gained momentum partially as a result of soaring obesity rates and first lady Michelle Obama's platform.
We commend the local public school district for pursuing the opportunity to provide fresher, locally grown produce to students.
The district feeds about 9,000 students each school day and must adhere to strict nutritional guidelines. A seasonal obstacle exists because the beginning of the school year roughly coincides with the end of the growing season.
The Jefferson City and Columbia schools are involved in a pilot program with Kohl Wholesale in partnership with Capital City Fruit.
Freshness was a key component, according to Terri Ferguson, director of school nutrition services for the local district. "It's so much better," she said. "It's fresher, and I hope the kids appreciate the difference in taste."
Taste drives many of our food choices. We may know what's better for our diet, nutrition and health, but the temptation remains to choose what tastes good.
Providing food that is nutritious, fresh and tasty is a productive and healthy combination.