Michigan State University Extension works to help improve people’s lives by bringing MSU’s vast knowledge and resources directly to individuals, families, communities, and farms. With a presence in every Michigan county, Extension faculty and staff members provide tools to live and work better. True to our land-grant mission and our position as a top global research university, Spartans work to advance the common good with an uncommon will. Health and nutrition is one of four organizational program areas. Michigan State University Extension supports individual and community level, or public health approaches, to prevent obesity. FoodCorps complements our mission to promote and foster a culture of health where people live, learn, work and play.

Hands on Learning- As a complement to classroom lessons, the school garden will allow the opportunity for the service member to bring seeds to harvest for the 2022 open house.

Healthy School Meals- The service member will coordinate monthly tastings and voting will inform food service of new items to include in the monthly menu.

School-wide Culture-The service member will enhance activities at Hillman Elementary School, such as an active recess and physical education curriculum from a Building Healthy Communities grant, as well as a 6-week 2nd-4th grade nutrition education series of MyPlate instruction. The service member will assist in coordinating healthy messaging and bulletin boards are delivered and prepared by the student leadership group. Year 2 focus will include school gardening and farm to school efforts coordinated with the food service director. Volunteer recruitment, fundraising and sustainability will be prioritized, as well.