Healthy Lunch Program - Lets Start the Ball Rolling

In response to Carrie Browns comments:

"Aaron,

I've found reading through your blog very interesting and I think what you stand for is commendable. I also credit you for trying to keep the conversation to the issues at hand and dealing with feedback in a professional and respectful manner.

I am in full support of healthy lunch programs in schools. My job is to break down people's barriers to living healthy lifestyles and find it frustrating that despite the endless healthy living messages we are inundated with on a daily basis, in MANY environments we haven't made the changes necessary to "walk the talk." As I believe you mentioned, habits that are developed in childhood are more likely to carry into adulthood and schools are key in developing, instilling and supporting healthy lifestyle habits.

If the political will is there, there are resources within the community to support this movement. Your argument is strong and there is not only a provincial movement to these type of programs, but also national and global movements. However, at the risk of sounding pessimistic, I'm afraid it will still take quite a sell to get this off the ground here. I'm just wondering what you have in mind to gain the support required to move ahead with this initiative?

I would also like to comment on the issue of teacher retention. As previously discussed, every organization and business in town is faced with this ongoing challenge. And while internal changes might affect this a little, I believe all companies and organizations in town need to work on this together.

I think that it will take more people like yourself who are relatively new town, but are willing to put themselves into the political ring. I believe our political circle needs more representation from the newcomers. We will always need the experience and perspective from the past, but we also need those who are looking at our community with fresh eyes who can represent newcomers' perspective. Without this, High Level may never feel entirely welcoming and embracing of all new people.

I also think that the development of arts and culture will add a dynamic to High Level that is currently lacking but extremely important to many people.

We will never be able to bring High Level closer to shopping malls, 12 theatre cinemas, and the big city, bright lights. However, if we can work to build a sense of community, sense of belonging and community pride, we'll have an community worth remaining in. The ultimate would be to never hear the question "so how long are you here for?" again! With that said, how long do you plan to remain in High Level?

Thank you for this wonderful forum for dialogue... Good Luck on the 4th Aaron!"

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Carrie,

First let me say that I appreciate the time you have spent in formulating such a well worded post and am glad you found much of this blog an enjoyable read. Trying to keep on topic most days is a challenge however I do try my best to respond to the most appropriate and meaningful feedback possible.

To answer your first question, I think the healthy lunch program is not as hard of a sell as many people think. There is support from parents, there is support from teachers and if elected there is support from the school board so I think the idea is sold. What I don’t see happening is someone to champion the project and get the project moving in the right direction.

Personally I would approach this project from the perspective of a feedback loop where letters of support are generated from all corners of this community (from politicians to parents to principals to students and even the school board) to generate the momentum needed to build a case to approach the provincial and federal government and even industry for financial support. The more people that support will result in more people being aware and the more people that are aware will result in more people willing to support. A feedback loop is the most important aspect of this process. As illustrated in my previous post, there are programs specifically set up to fund similar types of healthy food programs.

So to answer your original question, I think we are at a point where there is general acceptance, we just need the individual with the support of a representative committee to step forward and champion the project. I am willing with the support of a few others to undertake this task. I feel vehemently in favor of a healthy lunch program which coincidentally will align itself well with cafeteria facilities and theater infrastructure in the High level region.

As for your last comment on how long I will be in High Level for, well as a non-native Albertan I have family ties elsewhere and I would be lying if I said that I will be here long term or indefinitely. The decision to move from High Level is one Robyn and I will have to make at some point however I can tell you that my commitment to the school board will not be compromised during the term I have been elected for.

Carrie, I hope I answered your questions and if not please reply back with your comments.

Again, I appreciate the time you spent posting.

Regards,
Aaron