School district promotes ‘green’ healthy-food program

Miami is beginning to make a name for itself in the plant-based culinary world, but it hasn't always been known for its green approach to food. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is ahead of the curve, however. Not only is the school district rolling out compostable plates this year, but it has also been offered veg-friendly options daily for many years, with more being added all the time.

Now, in partnership with the Humane Society's Farm Animal Protection campaign, the district is embracing the concept of "lean and green." Similar to a "meatless Monday" but more flexible regarding timing, the program is designed to get kids excited about eating plant-focused meals.

"Going green and healthy is and has been a goal for the Department of Food and Nutrition, and we have been serving vegetarian choices on our menus as well as our farm-to-school and school garden partners and programs," says Dr. Penny Parham, administrative director of the district's Department of Food and Nutrition.

School administrators met with the Humane Society and Karla Dumas, a registered dietitian and food policy expert who specializes in creating veggie menus. Dumas spent almost a decade working with schools in the Sarasota area before joining the Humane Society this past January.