December 2011 Highlights « Back

A news conference at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock earlier this fall celebrated a first successful year of No Kid Hungry, geared toward combating childhood hunger in Arkansas. Midwest Dairy Council was among the partners recognized for having helped contributed to a shared goal.  Governor Mike Beebe said Arkansas has gone from being first in childhood hunger to being fourth.  Share our Strength founder and chair Billy Shore commended Arkansas leadership for the progress being made. Arkansas No Kid Hungry was presented with a National Leadership Award for the accomplishments in their first year.

USDA Food and Nutrition Service southwest regional administrator Bill Ludwig acknowledged Arkansas for progress being made in federal meal program utilization. He encouraged Arkansas leadership to continue efforts to reach more students in federal breakfast and lunch programs, and summer feeding. Midwest Dairy Council was recognized for its contributions toward school breakfast programs.  Lori Dather of your staff spoke during a recognition luncheon and received recognition on behalf of the organization for its financial support, professional support and expertise.  Several videos from the different strategy groups of No Kid Hungry were shown to highlight the successes of the initiatives and to personalize each program.

Breakfast in the Classroom

Summer and Afterschool Meals

SNAP Outreach

To conclude the program, No Kid Hungry set forth goals for a new year and said that by 2015, No Kid Hungry will take great pleasure and satisfaction in reaching the ultimate goal they have set forth…No Kid Hungry…not in Arkansas, not in America.

More than 350 people attended the two-day conference of the Arkansas School Nutrition Association in Hot Springs in November.  Midwest Dairy’s Health and Wellness program manager serving Arkansas, Ashley Anderson, presented a breakout session on flavored milk in schools.  Her session, repeated four times, emphasized the importance of flavored milk in schools and the dairy industry’s dedication to child health.  The presentation was very well received by supportive participants.  Only a few schools admitted to having discussions regarding the removal of flavored milk from their school breakfast and lunch programs.  All interested participants will receive a flavored milk toolkit.  Coleman Dairy provided flavored milk for participants to drink following the annual health walk. 

Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisor activation awards were given in September and October to schools in Fayetteville, Weiner High School in Weiner and Kirksey Middle School in Rogers.  The prize package contained Fuel Up to Play 60 premiums, and items to keep the kids and supporters excited about Fuel Up to Play 60 and further engage the entire school.