EVERY STUDENT
DESERVES A HEALTHY FUTURE
Healthier school lunch menus can help make that happen
Update!
The MHSLC was named a member of the recently approved School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission. This commission is charged with studying and recommending enhanced nutrition standards for K-12 public school meals. We look forward to working with stakeholders from across the state to shape a healthier future for Massachusetts' students.
MY CHILD AND EVERY CHILD
I’ve dedicated my life to making high-quality nutrition more accessible to families and communities around the world. Through my work, I’ve seen firsthand how closely food and health are related, but nothing has brought the importance of nutrition into sharper focus than becoming a mother. Becoming a mother made the fight for a healthier food system personal.
More than ever, I want for every child in Massachusetts what I want for my own child: a long, healthy life. Making that happen starts with high-quality nutrition.
That's why I founded the Massachusetts Healthy School Lunch Coalition. Together, with other parents, school leaders, public health experts, and community members, we're on a mission to make sure every child is nourished now and set up for the healthy future they deserve.
Alexis Fox
Ani's mom and founder of the Massachusetts
Healthy School Lunch Coalition
WHY SCHOOL LUNCH?
Our coalition understands that issues of health, equity, and sustainability cannot be separated or ignored. Ensuring a healthy, livable future for our children and families therefore requires immediate and collaborative efforts between government, private and public sectors, and individuals.
While there are no simple solutions, now is the time to take action, lead boldly, and show the children of Massachusetts that their future is a top priority.
NOURISHED. HEALTHY. SUCCESFUL.
The Massachusetts Healthy School Lunch Coalition (MHSLC) is bringing together students, parents, teachers, school leaders, nutrition and sustainability experts, and policymakers to work for the healthy future every child deserves. Our coalition understands that issues of health, equity, and sustainability cannot be separated or ignored. Ensuring a healthy, livable future for our children and families therefore requires immediate and collaborative efforts between government, private and public sectors, and individuals.
EXCITING NEWS!
Massachusetts Healthy School Lunch Coalition Named Member of School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission
Early this month in a historic move, Governor Healey approved a dedicated commission to study and recommend improved nutrition guidelines for school meals served in K-12 public schools. The Massachusetts Healthy School Lunch Coalition is honored to be selected as a member of this newly established School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission! We're excited to play a pivotal role in creating nutrition guidelines that promote well-being and protect the health of children across the Commonwealth.
WHY IT MATTERS
Massachusetts also approved permanent free school meals for all K-12 public school students. The Commission is a critical component to ensure these meals contain key nutrients for growth and development, accommodate diverse dietary needs including food allergies, lactose intolerance, and promote vegetarian and vegan options.
STATUS OF MHSLC BILL
Currently, The Joint Committee on Education is reviewing the HSL Bill following the public hearing held on July 17, 2023. With the establishment of the School Meal Nutrition Commission, the status of the HSL Bill is unknown. However, the formation of this Commission signals a broader recognition of the importance of school meals and commitment to evidence-based decision-making and collaboration among various stakeholders. As a Commission member, we will continue to bring forth priorities from the HSL Bill including a reduction in processed foods, saturated fat, cholesterol and increase in plant-based proteins and fiber.
WHAT'S AHEAD
We invite you to stay connected with us as we embark on this next phase. For more information about our initiatives and progress, please join the coalition to receive updates in our newsletter. Your support and involvement are key to making a difference in the lives of Massachusetts students.
THANK YOU
Thank you to our many supporters who helped make this happen!
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Thanks to our dedicated coalition members and supporters who raised their voice!
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Co-Sponsors of the MA Healthy School Lunch Bill Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Michael Day. House Chair Denise Garlick and members of the Joint Committee on Education for their leadership and commitment to the health of children across the Commonwealth.
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Members of the House Budget Committee for bringing forth the Commission for consideration.
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Governor Maura Healey for approving the Commission ensuring nutrition security for generations of children.
ABOUT THE COALITION
The Massachusetts Healthy School Lunch Coalition (MHSLC) was founded in 2020 with a hunger to secure the healthy, equitable, and liveable future all children deserve. We believe that school nutrition and food purchasing are powerful opportunities for achieving that vision.
MHSLC brings together students, parents, educators, nutrition and sustainability experts, and policymakers to advance our shared vision of healthy school food for all. We'd love for you to join us!