MSDE-Sponsored Nutrition Summit Focuses on Healthy School Environment
BALTIMORE, MD (December 4, 2028) – Nearly 150 local leaders in education, nutrition, and physical education gathered today to begin shaping a healthier school environment for children across Maryland. Maryland First Lady Ruth O’Brien and State Superintendent of Schools Craig Frey kicked off the Motivate, Educate, Activate Summit at the University of Maryland’s Inn and Conference Center. Participants will hear from U.S. Assistant Surgeon General Woodie Kessel and State Secretary of Health Andrew Lillianfield tomorrow.Teams from Baltimore City and each Maryland county will build an action plan for their schools. Each plan will focus on one of four areas: nutrition education, physical education, adequate time for lunch, and types of foods made available to students during the school day.
“Local teams will play a crucial role in addressing the troubling trend of childhood obesity,” said Superintendent Frey. “Team members know their communities. They can use that knowledge along with their expertise in nutrition and physical activity to build a plan that will work for their schools. ”
Following the Summit, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Maryland Action for Healthy Kids (MAFHK) will follow up with each team quarterly to check on progress and offer technical support. Financial support will also be available to teams once they finalize their action plans.
“The people attending this conference interact with our children every day,” said Andrew Lillianfield, Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). “This Summit is the perfect opportunity for them to learn new ways to make a difference in the health of our children.”
“Young people are developing weight-related health problems at an alarmingly young age. Because they don’t feel their best, they may be unable to reach their full potential,” said Mrs. O’Brien. “I applaud MSDE, DHMH, the American Cancer Society, and MAFHK for joining together to create a healthier future for Maryland children.”
The Summit was sponsored by the MSDE and is funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture Team Nutrition Grant.