Outdoor Meals at School
During the pandemic many schools tried outdoor meals for the first time. Positive responses from students, teachers, administrators, and food service staff mean that many schools will opt to continue to offer outdoor dining in the future. This chapter of the National Outdoor Learning Library shares planning guidance, best practices, and resources from the federal government and from organizations and experts across the country. These articles explore the range of issues schools and districts will need to consider when planning for students to eat meals and snacks outside.
© earlyspace
Outdoor Meals: Getting Started (Part One)
Beginning with the reasons why to move meals outside, this article explores the considerations and planning that are the foundation of a successful outdoor meals program.
© earlyspace
Outdoor Meals: Implementation (Part Two)
This article examines the systems and furnishings you’ll need for every aspect of mealtime outdoors: serving, eating, supervision, and cleanup.
© Greenschoolyards america
Managing Waste at Mealtimes
Effective waste management systems for indoor or outdoor meals offer significant environmental benefits by reducing the use of raw materials and the fuel required to transport food, packaging, and waste.
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Case Study: Arlington, Virginia
This case study profiles five schools in this Northern Virginia district, each with a unique approach to outdoor meals.
More Case Studies
(Coming soon!)
© Golestan Education
Snacks and Cooking Outdoors with Children
This case study features Golestan School in El Cerrito, California and their tips and strategies for cooking outdoors with children during the pandemic.
Credits
The information in this Meals chapter of the National Initiative’s online library was written and assembled by our Outdoor Meals Working Group that includes food and nutrition, education, and planning professionals from around the country.
This chapter was written by Phoebe Beierle, U.S. Green Building Council; Sharon Danks, MLA-MCP, Green Schoolyards America; Nancy Deming, Oakland Unified School District; and Sofia Peltz, Berkeley Unified School District; and edited by Nancy Striniste, MLD, Green Schoolyards America, with support from working group facilitator Kyle Macdonald, Green Schoolyards America.
National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative
The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative supports schools and districts around the country in their efforts to reopen safely and equitably using outdoor spaces as strategic, cost-effective solutions to increase physical distancing capacity onsite and provide access to abundant fresh air. The Initiative seeks to equitably improve learning, mental and physical health, and happiness for children and adults using an affordable, time-tested outdoor approach to keeping schools open during a pandemic.
The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative was co-founded in May 2020 by Green Schoolyards America, The Lawrence Hall of Science, San Mateo County Office of Education, and Ten Strands. It has now grown to include more than 20 other partner organizations that are collaborating to build a national movement, hundreds of participating volunteers, and foundation partners.
