PCRM Rewards Schools for Innovative Plant-Based Fare

California school food service director Vino Mitra works hard to encourage kids to choose healthful foods. Mitra won the grand prize in this year’s Golden Carrot Awards for the creative food service program he runs at Oceanside Unified School District in Oceanside, Calif. Oceanside Unified School District offers a wide variety of nutritious vegetarian food, and uses innovative programs, such as “Lean and Green” Monday, to promote healthy eating.

PCRM established the Golden Carrot Awards in 2004 to recognize food service professionals doing an exceptional job of improving the healthfulness of school lunches.

Runners-Up

• Kim Stewart, M.S., R.D., and Liz Purnell, R.D., nutrition educators for Memphis City Schools
• Jeffrey Mills, food service director for District of Columbia Public Schools
• Serena Suthers, M.S., R.D., S.F.N.S., food and nutrition services director for Prince William County Public Schools

To learn more about the winners or nominate a school food service worker for next year’s awards, visit HealthySchoolLunches.org.