Westonka Schools and Jubilee Foods of Mound -- Partners in Good Nutrition

By Lorrie Ham

The Westonka School District and Jubilee Foods are partners in a program designed to help parents and students make better nutritional choices.

The district’s Wellness Committee, comprised of staff members from each building, has a mission of increasing health and wellness for both students and staff.

One of the committee’s goals is to promote healthy snack choices in the classroom for celebrations and provide teacher and parent education about healthy food choices. The partnership with Jubilee came about as a means of working toward that goal. 

The program involves identifying healthy food options at Jubilee with a shelf label that reads, “Wellness Everyday” along with the district’s number “277.” Shoppers will see a large sign promoting the program upon entering the store which shows customers how to look for the label.

“We were just really excited that Jubilee had no reservation in partnering with the schools in regards to increasing nutrition both in school and at home and by doing that, making it easier on parents,” Committee Chair Katie Jo O’Gara said.

Committee member Mike Wallace was instrumental in making the arrangements with Jubilee. Dave Nelson took the lead on Jubilee’s end. “We were happy to participate in a program which identifies healthy food alternatives for kids and their parents,” Nelson said.

The committee has been working hard this year updating the wellness policy and specifically the parts having to do with healthy snacks and celebrations. O’Gara says parents have noticed the labels at Jubilee and appreciate the assistance in choosing healthier snacks.

The committee’s district-wide focus lies in three key areas: nutrition, physical activity, and a tobacco-free campus using research and data specific to Westonka.

In the district’s lunch rooms, Westonka Food and Nutrition Services is above the curve in providing nutritious, fresh and healthy meal choices that empower students, staff, teachers and volunteers to make the best selection. Food and Nutrition Services Director Laura Metzger and her staff have made some great changes to the school meals offerings this year.

Current committee members, each a Wellness Champion in their building, are Laura Metzger, Pamala Weber, Mike Wallace, Mara Drill, Dana Kraay, Ann Kilgore, Christy Zachow, Julie Taintor, Lois Van Dyke, Mark Femrite, Katie O’Gara and Deborah Istre of Hennepin County.