Au Gres-Sims Selected as $3,900 Grant Recipient from Chef Ann Foundation

Au Gres-Sims Selected as Grant Recipient for Project Produce, a Program of the Chef Ann Foundation, with Support from Walmart Foundation

June 4, 2018

AU GRES, MI – Au Gres-Sims School District has been awarded a $3,900 grant for Project Produce, a program of the Chef Ann Foundation, with support from Walmart Foundation.  Project Produce’s mission is to emphasize the cafeteria as the school’s largest classroom by combining increased exposure to fresh fruits, vegetables, and scratch-cooked recipes with food literacy and peer-to-peer marketing.  The selection process was extremely competitive and Au Gres-Sims is excited to have the opportunity to offer increased nutrition education programming to their students district-wide.              

Project Produce’s Program Description The purpose of the program will be to create taste-testing opportunities to celebrate local Michigan produce, promote nutrition education, distribute healthy recipes to students and families, and create a district-wide peer-to-peer health and nutrition advisory committee.  This grant will increase students exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables and provide knowledge about healthy eating habits.  Emily Gallivan, Chef Ann Foundation Program Manager, said, “Au Gres-Sims has great potential within this Project Produce program and has outlined a strong plan for nutrition education programming focused on peer-to-peer marketing and impacts to meal menus.”  

The Chef Ann Foundation grant will help Au Gres-Sims incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and recipes into meal and menu planning.  Amanda Marthaler, Au Gres-Sims Food Services Director, shared, “This grant from Chef Ann Foundation is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the abundance of different fruits and vegetables that our great State of Michigan has to offer our students.  Our entire food service staff are excited to participate in this granted program that will benefit our students, their families, and our community.”  Health, safety, and nutrition services consultant, Gloria Bourdon, added, “Au Gres-Sims School District is to be congratulated for receiving the Chef Ann Foundation, Project Produce grant award.  This grant will bring many opportunities for K-12 children to taste test a variety of Michigan grown fruits and vegetables, while simultaneously learning about nutrition and selecting healthy snacks.”     

About Au Gres-Sims School District Au Gres-Sims School District, a "Destination District," is located in Arenac County, Michigan.  The district is nestled on the sunrise side of Lake Huron and includes the Charity Islands.  There are roughly 27 miles of shoreline, which ranges from natural frontage and sugar sand beaches to residential property.  Au Gres is renowned for offering an incredible quality of life, abundant natural resources, and a rich cultural history.

Au Gres-Sims School District is proud to be known as a “public school with a private school feel” for its combined strength in academic achievement and entire preschool through twelfth grade school experiences.  Au Gres-Sims is a progressive district that is recognized statewide, as well as nationally, for consistently and proactively modeling best educational practices using data-driven research and advanced technology.  The district remains dedicated to creating a Culture of Learning that provides career and college resource opportunities for learners to gain advanced skill acquisition for an internationally competitive job market within a global economy.  To learn more about Au Gres-Sims School District, visit: www.ags-schools.org

About the Chef Ann Foundation The Chef Ann Foundation was founded in 2009 by Ann Cooper, an internationally recognized author, chef, educator, public speaker, and advocate of healthy food for all children. To date, the Foundation has reached over 2.8 million children across the country and seeks to provide tools that help schools serve children healthy and delicious scratch-cooked meals made with fresh, whole food.  As a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, the Chef Ann Foundation is grateful to their generous supporters and friends who help them carry out this mission.  To learn more about the Chef Ann Foundation, visit: www.chefannfoundation.org

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