Northwood News ♦ February 2014

Neighborhood Resident Named ‘Community Hero’ By Civic Federation for ‘Real Food for Kids’ Program

Last month, the Montgomery County Civic Federation (MCCF) awarded its Community Hero Award to Karen Devitt (Cavalier Drive), Lindsey Parsons, and their organization, Real Food For Kids — Montgomery (RFKM).  The award honors people and organizations from the community who take time from their lives and work hard to make the county a better place for everyone.

“Lindsey and Karen have turned their frustration with unhealthy food options in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) into Real Food for Kids — Montgomery, a nonprofit parent advocacy group that promotes whole, fresh, and nutrient-rich food options in MCPS,” said Paula Bienenfeld, First Vice President of the MCCF.  “In a little over a year, RFKM has already made significant improvements in the MCPS system.”  In December, because of the efforts of RFKM, MCPS agreed to remove strawberry milk — laden with Red Dye #40, artificial chemical flavor, high-fructose corn syrup, propylene glycol, and 25 grams of sugar — from all public school cafeterias.

RFKM also successfully lobbied MCPS to delay turning on candy and soda vending machines until 30 minutes after the end of the school day.  The organization is currently focusing efforts on improving the nutritional value of vending and à la carte foods and moving MCPS from processed and reheated foods to scratch cooking at its central facility.

RFKM is a grassroots, parent advocacy group promoting whole, delicious, fresh foods in Montgomery County [Maryland] public schools.  Formed in October 2012, it currently includes parents representing 123 elementary, middle, and high schools and 1,000+ supporters.  RFKM’s priorities include improving communication and transparency with parents about what is being served in MCPS schools, eliminating products with harmful additives, and surveying current à la carte and vending items with an eye toward proposing healthier alternatives.  RFKM is a project of the Chesapeake Institute for Local Sustainable Food and Agriculture, a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization.

“We are thrilled to honor these local heroes, working hard to help our children eat better food,” said Bienenfeld.

For more information, or to donate to RFKM, please visit: www.realfoodforkidsmontgomery.org; contact them at RealFoodMCPS at gmail dot com; or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RealFoodForKids Montgomery.   ■