Wellness committee reports triennial review, Farm-to-School grant application and vending changes

The Blaine County School District No. 61 wellness committee presented an annual update and the required triennial review of the district wellness policy during the March 11 board meeting.

The committee described its role as the district’s advisory board on student nutrition and wellness under USDA National School Lunch Program requirements and said it has representation from students, parents, teachers, nurses, counselors and administrators. Committee members reported working closely with Chartwells on menu changes and noted one recent change: breakfast milk offerings were adjusted to provide two white‑milk choices rather than white and chocolate milk to meet USDA guidance while preserving choice for students.

Wellness leaders said the committee’s priorities include improved public posting of wellness‑committee meeting dates, more staff‑focused wellness initiatives, outreach to model districts for food-service innovations, and exploring farm‑to‑school activities. The committee reported applying for the Patrick Leahy Farm to School action-planning grant in partnership with a local institute; award decisions are scheduled in May.

Committee members also described a vending‑machine review (analyzing drink options) undertaken with a registered dietitian and said the committee is preparing recommended lists for classroom snacks and student stores that align with smart-snack guidelines.

The committee will publish the triennial review results on the district website after the board meeting and will return with recommended staff wellness initiatives and any grant-funded activities for board review.

Ending: Trustees thanked the committee and asked staff to ensure wellness meeting dates are posted publicly going forward.