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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2012

NONPROFIT COMPLETES ITS 15-YEAR MISSION TO IMPROVE RI SCHOOL FOOD: URGES COMMUNITIES TO CONTINUE THE WORK

Pawtucket, RI February 1, 2012 - In June, Rhode Island nonprofit organization Kids First will complete nearly two decades of service related to its mission of improving school wellness. Partnering with individuals and groups in Rhode Island school districts to better health outcomes for students and school communities, the organization has seen positive change come to all 36 school districts, including the dramatic expansion of fresh, locally grown foods being served in school cafeterias as part of the Rhode Island Farm to School project.

Increased focus on healthier communities nationwide has helped set the stage in RI for broader partner participation and more enthusiastic acceptance of healthier school food and increased physical activity in schools. As a result, many non-profits, agencies and coalitions around the state share common goals related directly to the Kids First mission. The organization’s collaborative expertise, strategic partnerships, historical data and deep understanding of the issues pave the way forward for continuation of related work statewide, especially in other Rhode Island institutional food environments like daycares, worksites and hospitals.

Since the non-profit’s inception in 1997, Kids First has spearheaded healthy school food successes statewide. State laws and regulations, including the 2009 adoption of Rhode Island Nutritional Requirements (RINR) by the Board of Regents, have made RI school food nutritional standards superior to current federal requirements. Rhode Island was first in the nation to require whole grains, more fruits and vegetables and lower sodium in school food. As it completes its work this school year, Kids First calls everyone to action, including other organizations and funders, to continue to work towards shared goals that improve the health of all Rhode Islanders, especially children.

For more information about this particular news story, please contact:
Dorothy Brayley, Founder & Executive Director, Kids First
TEL: 401-475-9696
EMAIL: dbrayley@kidsfirstri.org

For more information about Kids First’s 15 years of work in RI communities, please visit the website at: www.kidsfirstri.org

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