A Taylorville Memorial Foundation grant has provided students in Taylorville’s public school district with nutrition education and a healthier breakfast and lunch selection. A $32,442 grant from the Taylorville Memorial Foundation covered the cost of purchasing 234 dozen reusable white trays to accommodate the school’s 2300 students as well as faculty and staff.  The grant also provides a warm food display case and a grab-and-go cooler at the junior high school and the high school.  High school students will also have access to a smoothie station featuring 10 Bullet brand blenders and cups. 

Dr. Chris Dougherty, Superintendent, says that the project involves healthy upgrades of the items offered at the cafeteria.  She also says studies show students more often chose healthy foods when their selections are on a white plate.

Raedena Ryan, Executive Director of the Taylorville Memorial Foundation says that investing in these types of projects create opportunities for young people to engage in learning about nutrition. She says that given the recent community health needs assessment identified obesity, lung health, and mental health as the hospital’s top concerns, teaching children about healthy eating can go a long way.

The school district is offering water as a drink option and has created outdoor dining spaces for students to use when weather permitting. The cafeteria will also function more like a food court, rather than a cafeteria, where students will receive their food faster, without having to wait in one long line. 

To learn more about Taylorville Memorial Foundation, visit memorial.health/tmf or call 217-707-5271.