EMG News

Celebrating Our 2024–25 Gold School Award Recipients

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:01:25 GMT

Rural Schools Leading the Way in Health & Wellness

What does it take to become a model of health and wellness in a rural school?
For 21 schools across the 17-parish region served by EatMoveGrow, the answer lies in committed leadership, community-driven action, and a shared belief that every child—no matter their ZIP code—deserves a healthy start.

These outstanding schools earned Gold Medal School Award Status for the 2024–2025 school year by completing every requirement of the EatMoveGrow School Wellness Scorecard, a tool designed to help schools implement evidence-based strategies that improve health outcomes. Their achievements were recognized at the annual EatMoveGrow Teacher Summit, where they were honored for creating healthier school environments through policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change—hallmarks of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.

Supporting Wellness with Real Investment

EatMoveGrow is proud to back up our schools' hard work with more than just praise—we provide real dollars to support their continued efforts. This year, EMG awarded $45,600 in direct funding to schools for completing their wellness contract activities. These awards help schools grow gardens, host physical activity events, build wellness programs, and sustain momentum long after lessons are done.

In the past two years alone, during this current three-year HRSA grant period, EMG has invested a total of $94,000 directly into rural schools through School Wellness Contracts—putting resources where they’re needed most: on the ground, in the classroom, and around the playground .

A Proven, Rural-Focused Model for Change

EatMoveGrow’s model isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a boots-on-the-ground, data-driven approach that embeds Health Educators into partner schools, builds local capacity, and supports long-term change. This work is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through the Delta States Rural Development Network Grant.

Key strategies of the EMG model include:

Formation of School Wellness Committees (SWCs)
Completion of the CDC’s School Health Index
Customized Action Plans for each school
Monthly classroom instruction on healthy eating, physical activity, and social-emotional wellness
Measurable improvements in student knowledge, behavior, and BMI

In 2024–25 alone:

89% of EMG schools made documented health improvements through active SWCs
1,929 hours of technical assistance were provided to educators and administrators
Over 1,987 classroom lessons were delivered
43% of participating students experienced positive BMI change

Meet the 2024–25 Gold Medal Schools

Acadia Parish

Churchpoint Elementary
Iota Elementary
South Crowley Elementary
Evangeline Elementary

Allen Parish

Oakdale Elementary
Oberlin Elementary

Avoyelles Parish

Riverside Elementary

Catahoula Parish

Harrisonburg Elementary
Jonesville Elementary

Concordia Parish

Concordia Parish MST
Monterey High School
Vidalia Upper Elementary

Evangeline Parish

James Stephens Montessori

Lafourche Parish

Golden Meadow Lower Elementary

Pointe Coupee Parish

Catholic of Pointe Coupee
Rosenwald Elementary
Upper Pointe Coupee Elementary

St. Landry Parish

Krotz Springs Elementary
Park Vista Elementary
Port Barre Elementary

St. Mary Parish

Hattie A. Watts Elementary

Why It Matters

Research confirms what we see every day in our schools:

Healthy kids learn better
Wellness efforts reduce chronic disease risk
Local ownership drives sustainable change

According to the CDC, schools with active wellness teams are three times more likely to implement lasting nutrition and physical activity policies. EMG’s approach makes that possible in even the most rural, under-resourced communities.

“We don’t wait for kids to get sick. We go where they are.” – EatMoveGrow Impact Statement

Help Us Celebrate

To all the educators, administrators, and school communities who earned Gold School Award Status — congratulations! You are setting the gold standard for rural school wellness.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see spotlights from the Teacher Summit and success stories from the field.

EatMoveGrow is funded by HRSA and led by The Health Enrichment Network, serving rural Louisiana schools through an evidence-based model focused on improving childhood health through education, physical activity, and community partnerships.

Tracking Healthy Eating with the Veggie Meter

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:22:18 GMT

How a simple fingertip scan is transforming the way schools track healthy eating.

Imagine if a quick fingertip scan could reveal how many fruits and vegetables you’ve been eating. Thanks to the Veggie Meter®, that’s not just possible—it’s happening right now in EMG schools. This innovative tool uses safe light technology to measure carotenoids, the natural pigments in foods like carrots, spinach, tomatoes, and oranges. The higher your score, the more fruits and veggies you’ve been fueling your body with over the past month.

The Veggie Meter is more than a fun piece of technology. It’s helping EatMoveGrow and Team Nutrition show the real impact of school-based nutrition programs—and giving students instant, exciting feedback that connects their daily food choices to their health.

Quick, Easy, and Eye-Opening

A Veggie Meter scan takes less than two minutes and is completely painless. Students clean a fingertip, place it in the cradle, and watch as the machine gives a score that lands in one of five color zones:

Red/Orange/Yellow: Time to add more fruits and veggies!
Green/Blue: You’re doing great—keep it up!

The immediate feedback sparks curiosity and motivates students to eat more colorful fruits and vegetables.

What the Data Shows

At the 2025 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE), Team Nutrition and EMG shared results from a five-week pilot in a rural Louisiana elementary school.

38 students in grades 5 and 6 participated.
Each week, students tried two fresh fruits or vegetables—like strawberries, bell peppers, grapes, cucumbers, and carrots.
Teachers and cafeteria staff reinforced the message with superhero posters, digital classroom resources, and stickers.

The results were powerful:

Average baseline Veggie Meter score: 190
After five weeks: 217
Increase: nearly 27 points, a measurable boost in fruit and vegetable intake

This study proves that when schools combine access to healthy foods with fun, engaging education, students eat more fruits and vegetables—and the Veggie Meter provides the evidence.

Why It Matters

Not every EMG school will use the Veggie Meter, but the schools that do give us critical data to measure our overall impact. That data allows us to:

Show how nutrition programs are changing student behavior
Demonstrate the value of evidence-based approaches
Help School Wellness Committees set goals and track progress
Encourage families and students to make healthier choices at home and school

Every fingertip scan is more than a number—it’s proof that small changes in school nutrition lead to real, lasting health improvements.

Looking Ahead

With the support of Team Nutrition , EMG schools are leading the way in connecting nutrition education to measurable health outcomes. The Veggie Meter will continue to help us track progress, celebrate successes, and inspire students to eat more fruits and vegetables every day.

The future of school health is bright—and a little more colorful—thanks to the Veggie Meter.

Building Healthier Schools: How SWCs Drive Real Change

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:50:27 GMT

Evidence-based strategies and real school stories showing how wellness committees transform student health.

Across EatMoveGrow schools, School Wellness Committees (SWCs) are turning evidence-based strategies into real, measurable improvements in student health and school culture. These committees bring together teachers, administrators, food service staff, parents, and community members to plan, implement, and monitor changes that make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Why SWCs Work

Research shows that schools with active wellness committees are more likely to adopt and sustain policies and practices that support healthy eating, physical activity, and overall wellness. The CDC’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework recognizes SWCs as a best practice because they:

Build accountability and shared ownership
Align school policies with federal nutrition standards and physical activity guidelines
Encourage consistent messaging about health across the school day
Provide a structure for using data, such as the School Health Index (SHI), to guide decisions

For EMG schools, the School Health Index is the foundation. Committees review the results, identify priority areas, and create action plans that are both realistic and impactful. EMG supports this work with funding through School Wellness Awards, ensuring schools have the resources to make their plans a reality.

2024–25 By the Numbers

43 schools completed the SHI (84% of EMG schools)
$42,000 awarded in School Wellness Award funds
Nearly 400 healthy action items implemented
23 schools developed or expanded gardens (43% of EMG schools now have one)
45 schools hosted nutrition events promoting healthy choices
11 schools provided nutrition staff development

Spotlights on Success

Glencoe Charter School – Maximizing Physical Activity
In their first year with EMG, the SWC discovered that students averaged only about seven minutes of vigorous activity during PE. They restructured the schedule from 25-minute daily classes to 50-minute classes every other day, giving students a full block to raise heart rates and improve fitness.

“It’s amazing to see the difference just a small schedule change can make. Students are more active, more engaged, and ready to learn when they come back to class.” – Abbie Hebert , EMG Contact

Hattie Watts Elementary – Creative Family Engagement
Family involvement was a challenging goal, so the SWC tried something new: a block party held offsite from the school. The change in venue and the festive, community-centered approach drew more families and boosted participation in wellness activities.

“Moving our event off campus made it feel like a community celebration, not just a school event. The energy and turnout were incredible.” – Hattie Watts SWC Member

James Stephens Montessori – Fundraising That Reflects School Values
The SWC replaced cookie dough sales with a Color Run, generating similar revenue while promoting physical activity. They also launched their first school garden and replaced the traditional snack cart with a SMART Cart offering healthier options.

“The Color Run got everyone moving and laughing—and it funded our programs just as well as our old fundraiser. Plus, our new garden and SMART Cart are giving kids healthy choices every day.” – James Stephens Montessori SWC Member

Elevate Your School's Snack Game

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 23:08:45 GMT

EatMoveGrow and LA Team Nutrition Partner to Provide Snack Cart Grants

We're thrilled to share some exciting news that's about to make a significant impact on the snack choices available in EMG schools.

At EatMoveGrow, we've always been committed to promoting a healthier lifestyle for students. Now, we're taking it a step further by teaming with Louisiana Team Nutrition to encourage schools to convert their snack carts to offer snacks that meet the Smarter Snack guidelines.

Why Should Schools Consider Smarter Snacks ?
Healthy eating habits are crucial for students' well-being, academic performance, and overall development. By converting your school's snack carts to Smarter Snacks, you can:

�� Prioritize Student Health : Smarter Snacks are lower in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, ensuring that students receive the nourishment they need to stay focused and energized throughout the day.

�� Support Learning : Proper nutrition can have a significant impact on students' cognitive function, memory, and behavior. By providing smarter snacks, schools can help students reach their full potential.

�� Instill Lifelong Habits : Offering healthier snacks at a young age can help instill lifelong habits of making nutritious food choices. It's an investment in a healthier future.

�� Combat Childhood Obesity : Childhood obesity is a growing concern. Smarter Snacks can be a part of the solution, contributing to healthier weight management for our youth.

Negative Impact of Junk Food Canteens:
It's also crucial to consider the negative impact of junk food-filled canteens. Unhealthy snacks have been linked to several concerning issues for students, including:

�� Poor Nutrition : Junk food is typically high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to inadequate nutrition and over-consumption.

�� Academic Decline : Consuming junk food can lead to energy spikes and crashes, affecting students' focus and academic performance.

�� Addictive Ingredients : Many junk foods are designed to be addictive, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits that persist into adulthood.

�� Health Consequences : Regular consumption of junk food can contribute to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.

Introducing the EatMoveGrow Smarter Snack Grant Program!
We understand that transitioning to Smarter Snacks can be a challenge, which is why we're excited to announce the EatMoveGrow Smarter Snack Grant Program! We're offering grants to help schools fund the purchase of commercial snack carts that meet the Smarter Snack criteria. The grant includes:

Commercial Snack Cart : We'll provide funding to help your school purchase a commercial snack cart that meets all the necessary criteria for Smarter Snacks.
Initial Snack Stocking : Along with the cart, we'll help you get started by providing an initial supply of snacks that meet Smarter Snack guidelines.
Technical Support : EatMoveGrow and LA Team Nutrition will provide technical support in launching your new Smarter Snacks Cart and provide periodic check-ins for support.

How to Apply for the EatMoveGrow Smarter Snack Cart Grant:

Ensure your school is a current EatMoveGrow program site, committed to promoting wellness and a healthy lifestyle among students.
Gain the support of your school's leadership, showing their dedication to this important initiative.
Click on the link below to access the grant application
Complete the application form and submit it to Hannah at hannah@eatmovegrow.us

:
We're excited to offer the Smarter Snack Grants on a rolling basis. This means you can apply at a time that's most convenient for your school, and we'll consider applications as long as funding is available. We're here to support your commitment to healthier snack options for your students.

Stay tuned for more updates, tips, and resources to enhance the wellness of your students. Together, we can Eat, Move, and Grow toward a brighter and healthier future! ��

BMI Trends in Rural Louisiana Children

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 16:49:15 GMT

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