Governor’s Fit Schools
Action For Healthy Kids Minnesota
For more information
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In 2005, 25% of Minnesota adults reported consuming five or more fruits or vegetables per day[i].
- In 2004, only 13% of 12th grade boys and 12% of 12th grade girls reported eating five or more servings of fruits, fruit juices or vegetables the previous day[ii].
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) works with partners to promote and support community programs and individual, community and systems change. Click here for more information on nutrition programs and resources at MDH.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has dedicated itself to promoting nutrition within schools. With programs such as the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Federal Special Milk Program, and the Summer Food Service Program, MDE ensures healthy options to all students. New nutritional standards ensure that school lunches must now include two fruits or vegetables and whole grain, while limiting availability of soda and vending machines[iii].
Governor’s Fit Schools
The purpose of the Governor's Fit School Program is to keep our children healthy. This program recognizes Minnesota schools committed to creating and maintaining a healthy school environment that supports an active and healthy lifestyle of students and staff. Schools have an opportunity through the classroom, activities and food offerings to help develop and model lifelong healthy behaviors. Healthy schools create an environment where students can become fit, healthy and ready to learn!
Goals for a Governor's Fit School are to support the health of children by:
- Promoting healthy food choices by students, staff and families,
- Offering physical education and physical activity opportunities, and
- Improving student and staff wellness[iv].
In Willmar, Roosevelt Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Lincoln Learning Center, and Willmar Junior High Schools have been recognized as Governor’s Fit Schools.
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Action For Healthy Kids Minnesota
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) is a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving the health and educational performance of children through better nutrition and physical activity in schools. This effort represents a response to our nation's epidemic of overweight, sedentary, and undernourished children and adolescents.
More and more schools are making positive changes in the food and beverages they offer children. Programs are moving from high-fat, high-sugar, high-sodium choices to ones that mirror what is taught in classroom curriculums—good nutrition is pivotal to good health. Schools are substituting milk, water and juice for soda and limiting types of snack foods. For more information on Healthy Food Guidelines, click
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For more information
Minnesota Department of Health Nutrition Resources
5 A Day Program at the Minnesota Department of Health
Action for Healthy Kids
Minnesota Department of Education Food and Nutrition Services
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[i] Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (2005).
[ii] Minnesota Student Survey (2004).
