Haywood County Schools Nutrition Director Alison Pyron

Haywood County Schools Nutrition Director Alison Pyron recently announced that the local school system has been selected to be a part of a Whole Grains Pilot Program for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodities. The 2008 Farm Bill includes a provision of $4 million dollars to be spent in Fiscal-Year 2009 on the purchase and study of whole-grain foods. The Whole Grain Pilot Project is designed to obtain a better understanding of the consumption behavior and preference of whole grain foods by children participating in school meal programs.

The 2009 Whole Grain Pilot Project will involve an evaluation process of two whole grain items that have been developed by USDA for this pilot project – Whole Wheat Tortillas and Whole Wheat Pancakes. USDA requires an evaluation of this pilot project, which will be conducted by the Institute for Obesity Research and Program Evaluation at Texas A & M University. I am really looking forward to promoting and incorporating these newest whole grain items in our schools. It is an honor to be included in this project, as only specific school districts are nationally selected to participate. Through our students’ evaluations, such as in taste tests, performing student surveys, and providing allowance for student feedback; Haywood County schools will be included in USDA’s report to Congress on the results of the evaluation after it is completed.

Presently, in all Haywood County Schools, whole grain foods are offered at least three times per week.

“This is another example of how our Nutrition Director Alison Pyron and our program are well-respected across the state,” Director of Schools Marlon King said. “To be selected for this project is great for our schools and for our community.”