Tennessee Among Top 10 in Improving Schools Nutritional Environment

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Departments of Education and Health are proud to announce Tennessee is among the 10 best states in the percentage of schools that did not sell less nutritious food and beverages last year, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Coming on the heels of Child Health Week and its focus on raising awareness of the issue of childhood obesity in Tennessee, this news reflects encouraging progress," said Governor Phil Bredesen.

“We are excited to receive this recognition from the CDC and know it is important to continue to support our Coordinated School Health initiative in improving the nutritional environment for all students,” Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said.

• The percentage of Tenn. schools that did not sell soda or fruit juice that was not 100 percent juice increased from 26.7 percent in 2006 to 74 percent in 2008. Tenn. is now second in the nation in this category.
• The percentage of Tenn. schools that did not sell sports drinks increased from 18.1 percent in 2006 to 66.1 percent in 2008. Tennessee is now first in the nation in this category.
• In 2008, 64.7 percent of Tenn. schools did not sell junk food (soft drinks, fruit juice that was not 100 percent juice, candy and baked goods) in vending machines, school stores, canteens or snack bars. Tennessee ranks sixth in the nation in this category.

“We are thrilled with this study, which shows the results of our determined efforts to ensure that only healthy food options are available in Tennessee schools,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “We have worked in partnership with Governor Phil Bredesen, the Tennessee General Assembly and the Coordinated School Health initiative to adopt strong school nutrition standards and policies as part of our mission to protect, promote and improve the health of children in our state.”

“The incredible rate of improvement in school providing healthier food choices for students is directly linked to the efforts of Coordinated School Health officials in each school system throughout our state,” said Connie Hall Givens, Executive Director of the Office of Coordinated School Health. “Coordinators help to create partnerships and collect critical data such as body mass index and School Health Profiles.”

For more information on the CDC report, visit http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5839a4.htm.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@tn.gov.
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