Chef's move to Schools...

The Chef's move program was initiated by our first lady, Michele Obama as a part of her "Let's Move" initiative.

"We are going to need everyone's time and talent to solve the childhood obesity epidemic and our Nation's chefs have tremendous power as leaders on this issue because of their deep knowledge of food and nutrition and their standing in the community. I want to thank them for joining the Let's Move! Campaign"

- First Lady Michelle Obama

"Chef's Move"initiative is an attempt to create a healthy meal plan for our public schools that fits within budget and dietary restrictions. This program brings local chef's into each school to educate the students, staff and families of the possibilities with seasonal, sustainable and healthful eating opportunities available to us, as well las the vital importance of making a change to these healthier practices. 

Recenlty, at Lewis Elemntary school in SE Portland,  we had the opportunity to learn more about the Chef's Move program, meet some amazing local chef's and taste some delicious local and seasonal food. 

 These Chef's took time out of their very busy schedules to come and share their knowledge and their food with us in hopes that we can all work to make  our community a healthier place.

Local chef's from Oba, Hall Street Grill, Genoa, and Good Samaritan donated their time, knowledge and seasonal fair to create some beautiful food for the children and families to try. 

Naomi Palmeroy from Beast made an appearance as well.

Lewis Elemntary has been very fortunate to have Portland Chef David Anderson of Genoa and Accanto working with them as their "Chef" in the "chef's Move" program.
Chef David has taught the children about growing, harvesting and preparing
fresh fruits and vegetables and herbs seasonally and regionally. 

Chef David comments about his interest in participating in the program...

"I was lucky to grow up in Ketchikan, Alaska where an active lifestyle was the norm from an early age. My goal is to help our schools not only create healthy lunch programs, but to highlight physical activity as part of a daily nutritional regimen."

For more informance about the Chef's Move to Schools program.  

How Can parents help???

Good question. 

Start at home...

Talk to your Schools!! 

Ask some questions...

There are some important questions to ask when you begin meeting with school and food service staff, including:

• What work is the school currently doing around health and nutrition?
• Who are the teachers or members of the school community that have been working on these programs?
• Is there a formal nutrition education curriculum used in classes?
• Does the school have a garden?
• Where can you see me being of greatest support to the school in helping to elevate the role of food and nutrition in your school?
• Who runs the cafeteria?
• Does the school run its own food service or do they use a food service provider?
• What goals does the school have for improved health and wellness?
• Does the school need to add a salad bar and/or more fresh fruits and vegetables?
• Would they like to procure more locally and sustainably grown foods?
• Can additional equipment be donated or acquired through grants or other funds?

Find more information in our Chefs Move to Schools guide.

Quotations taken from to...
PDX eater
questions, and parenting plan taken from
Lets Move