We're in!

Again, to ensure that all members of the Advisory Group have a shared understanding of what the goals are, five successful programs were presented:

Tohono O'odham Community Action , Arizona: is a community-based organization dedicated to creating a healthy, sustainable, and culturally vital community on the Tohono O'odham Nation. TOCA's Food System & Wellness program creates physical, spiritual, cultural and economic wellness through the promotion of the traditional foods, O'odham sports, and the work that has supported the Tohono O'odham community for countless generations. Combating the highest rate of diabetes in the world, TOCA is reintroducing traditional food production to the community, stimulating improved community health, revitalizing a heritage of health and fostering economic opportunity. Through the successful creation of two farms, efforts to market traditional foods, and extensive educational programming, TOCA stimulates increased community self-sufficiency and vitality. TOCA has helped create educational programs, community gardens and hands-on workshops on how to harvest and prepare wild foods.

New York Coalition for Healthy School Food , New York: The New York Coalition for Healthy School Food (NYCHSF) is a statewide nonprofit that works to improve the health and well-being of New York's students by advocating for healthy plant-based foods, including local and organic where possible, farm to school programs, school gardens, the elimination of unhealthy competitive foods in all areas of the school (not just the cafeteria), comprehensive nutrition policy, and education to create food- and health-literate students.

Healthy Schools Campaign , Chicago: An independent not-for-profit organization that is the leading authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children, and education. It advocates for policies and practices that allow all students, teachers and staff to learn and work in a healthy school environment.

Namaste Charter School , Chicago: The school is committed to the physical, social and academic well being of our students, staff and parents. We believe that to achieve in school, students must be healthy, active and engaged in physical activity regularly. We also believe that adults must model the healthy lifestyle and positive attitude that we wish the students to embrace. The school incorporates health, nutrition and athletics into its rigorous curriculum, created to ensure literacy, numeracy and a lifelong love of learning.

Academy for Global Citizenship , Chicago: An innovative Chicago Public Charter School, located on the Southwest side of Chicago. Our mission is to empower all students to positively impact the community and world beyond. An AGC education extends beyond a solid academic foundation. Organic, nutritionally balanced meals, daily yoga, gardening, wellness instruction and ecologically sustainable practices throughout the school encourage learners to develop healthy and sustainable lifestyles for themselves. Ultimately, the Academy for Global Citizenship engages the whole child in an enriching educational community focused on fostering academic excellence, international awareness and environmental stewardship.