April 2004 E-Newsletter

Rochelle Davis and Chicago Teachers Union's James Alexander at Laughing Matters

Laughing Matters: A Benefit to Support the Healthy Schools Campaign
On March 4, over 150 people braved a stormy night to attend the Healthy Schools Campaign's 2nd annual fundraising event. Guests enjoyed a dinner donated by Whole Foods Market and prepared and served by the Illinois Institute of Art's Culinary Arts students. The evening concluded with a performance by Second City e.t.c. Theater.
Click here for more information.

Obesity, Hunger, and School Food: Strengthening the Child Reauthorization Act
On March 15, more than 65 community members, health professionals, school administrators, and legislators gathered to discuss the impact of reauthorizing the Child Nutrition Act on childhood obesity, hunger, and school food.
Click here for more information.

Springfield Report - Healthy Foods, Healthy Buses
HSC has partnered with numerous health groups to pursue legislation that supports healthy food alternatives in school vending machines. Representative David Miller and Representative Tom Cross both sponsored bills to remove soda and junk food from vending machines and replace them with healthier choices. The soda industry has lead fierce opposition to this legislation and managed to kill Representative Miller's bill. HSC is currently working with Tom Cross' staff to better position his bill and to promote a grassroots outreach that supports healthy school food environments.

HSC has also partnered with the American Lung Association to help clean up diesel school buses. Representative Sandra Pihos has sponsored our bill to limit the time a diesel school bus can idle in front of a school building. Under the recommendations of the Education Committee, HSC will continue work with Representative Pihos to create a House Resolution recommending idling limits and further support this bill in the next legislative session.

For more information about HSC legislation, Email Mark Bishop by Clicking Here.

HSC Signs on to National Position Statement on Healthy Schools
Working with its allies across the country, HSC signed on to a national position statement on healthy schools. The statement, which will be released on National Healthy Schools Day on April 19, calls for Federal and State officials to provide resources to school districts to improve the school environment. Click here to read the full statement and to sign on.

Bush Administration Given "F" on Their Record for Protecting Children from Environmental Exposures
A report released by the Children's Environmental Health Network was unable to give a grade higher than a "C" to the Bush Administration in any of the 16 different areas it investigated, such as air quality, pesticides, and mercury. In 11 areas, the report's expert reviewers found that the current Administration's decisions merited an "F," including water quality, toxic substances and wastes, and right-to-know. Five sections received a "C" which includes their performance on school environmental health. For more information, Click Here.

School Food Assessment Tool Now Available
Research shows that schools play a crucial role in helping students develop healthy, lifelong eating habits. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's School Health Index as a model, HSC has developed an assessment tool for helping school districts improve the school food environment. School districts interested in participating in this program should Email Camille Reid by Clicking Here.

HSC Sponsors Training Session for Chicago Public Schools' Building Engineers
On April 14, HSC sponsored Towards Healthy School Environments: An In-Service Training Day for Building Engineers in collaboration with Chicago Public Schools. More than 250 building engineers learned about safer pest management techniques, green cleaning, custodial staff management, and recycling. Vendors were on hand to introduce building engineers to cleaning products and equipment that meet the Green Clean Project standards.

Rodale Press Releases Cookbook by HSC's Executive Director
Rochelle Davis, HSC's Executive Director, recently released Fresh Choices: More than 100 Easy Recipes for Pure Food When You Can't buy 100% Organic. Fresh Choices is more than just a cookbook. It talks about the important connection between health, food, the environment, and the government policies that impact our food supply. This story is told through delicious recipes, useful charts, healthy eating recommendations, profiles of influential individuals, and practical shopping tips. For more information and to purchase Fresh Choices, Click Here.

School Nurses Team up with HSC
HSC is excited to announce the formation of a School Nurse Advisory Committee. Developed in collaboration with an initial set of school nurses, HSC is hoping to learn more about the challenges facing this important group as well as working together to address school environmental health. If you are a school nurse and are interested in joining the School Nurse Advisory Committee, Email Louella Hung by Clicking Here.

Community Collaborative for Healthy School Environments Holds Quarterly Meeting
On March 25, HSC's Community Collaborative for Healthy School Environments held its quarterly meeting to discuss the recent controversy over the cleanliness of Chicago Public Schools and to learn about safe and healthy approaches to cleaning. The Community Collaborative is comprised of community-based organizations interested in improving their local schools' environments. To participate, Email Louella Hung by Clicking Here.

Upcoming Events