Danielle Bock, Director of Nutrition Services, was in Washington DC last week to represent D6 and the Greeley-Evans community at the White House's Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.
The conference and related national strategy (PDF, 776 KB) offer an important opportunity to acknowledge FNS’ role in reducing hunger, increasing healthy eating, and mitigating health disparities. (USDA).
Danielle was one of the few attendees invited from Colorado to attend in person and share her insight and ideas with the minds of many professionals from across the country. When asked about her experience, she had this to say:
"What an awe-inspiring opportunity. I was in a room with 500 people who have the authority and capacity to halt the rise in diet-related diseases in this country.
Can you imagine a world where fresh fruit and vegetables were the standard offering at every roadside stop; a world where growers and producers are revered for saving lives? It is possible. When doctors start prescribing food that fortifies the body's own ability to heal.
Every time a speaker mentioned universal free school meals the crowd would erupt! I have never been in a place with a more universally popular idea.
The reality is that we can teach our children how the body works and what will help them thrive, then provide it to them free of charge as a part of the school day. This is possible and it makes sense. The future of our country depends on it."
As Secretary Vilsack said in his opening remarks, “Something like this hasn’t happened in more than 50 years. Let’s keep the momentum of today going in a new and meaningful, strong way so we can fully meet this important moment—for our children, for our community, and for our country.” (USDA)
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