photo by Dora Pete

Speak Up!
How One Parent Changed the School Lunch Program
in Her Son’s School District

Lincoln Elementary School, Washington

By Lindsey Middendorf
Dandelions Unlimited Intern
Western Washington Univerisity

Like any concerned parent, Vanessa Ruddy wanted to make sure that her son was getting a healthy lunch at school. Little did she know that by voicing her concern to school officials she would create the spark that would ignite a complete transformation of the Lincoln Elementary School lunch program. Ruddy’s simple act of speaking to Lincoln Elementary School’s Child Nutrition Supervisor has had a ripple effect, and now every school in the Olympia School District has an organic salad bar that provides locally grown, healthy lunch choices.

After voicing her concern, Ruddy gained community and staff support immediately, and they came up with a plan that had a clear, sustainable mission: school lunches that will provide fresh, organic produce, provide alternative protein choices, reduce students’ sugar intake, and use locally grown foods. (1) Within three months, Lincoln Elementary School began using locally grown produce, and it became the first school in Washington to offer an organic salad bar at lunchtime. (2)

How did they do this so fast? They established a strong community that was determined, organized, and committed. They made contacts with local farmers about supplying the school district with their produce, and even delivered personal invitations to their farms about the program. The farmers were interested, and soon healthy, organic, local food was finding its way to the Lincoln Elementary School lunch room. This is only one small example of the successes of the school lunch program at Lincoln Elementary. They are committed to not only serve healthy food, but teach students about a healthy food system. Students are involved in hands-on learning in the school’s organic garden and greenhouse, which is been in operation since 1991. Students learn how to grow crops, and raise money for the program by selling seeds, produce, and taking part in a yearly Harvest Festival where they cook and serve foods that they have grown. They also learn how to compost garden and cafeteria waste to be used in their gardens. Students are involved in every step of the growing cycle.

The new program has not only been successful, but affordable. The switch to organic, local foods has cut lunch costs by two cents per meal! (3) The district decided to cut out desserts from their lunch room menu, and this simple and healthy change made up for most of the extra cost of the organic, local produce. The district also switched to reusable silverware, and receives commodity assistance for produce grown in the United States from the Department of Defense Fresh Produce Program. Participation rates have also been going up significantly. Fruit and vegetable sales at Lincoln Elementary school have gone up 30% since the program has started! (1) Students, staff, and parents have bonded together to create a healthy and thriving community that connects students with their food sources and creates a new market for local farmers. Lincoln Elementary School should serve as a role model for schools nationwide.


1- A Salad Bar Featuring Organic Choices: Revitalizing the School Lunch Program (pdf)

2- KING 5 News Article: A Visit to Olympia's Organic Elementary School

3- Seattle Times: Organic Option a Hit at Olympia School Cafeterias

Additional article from the Seattle PI: Olympia District's Farm-to-School Program a Role Model