A scene change for the school cafeteria.

the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is offering a program to encourage communities to make school food service healthier. Called Changing the Scene, it consists of a tool kit that addresses all aspects of the school nutrition environment. The guidebook discusses ways to put together quality school meals and explores other healthy food options; it urges a commitment to nutrition and physical activity among school districts; it even provides models for pleasant eating experiences. The program empowers local members of the community to take action on behalf of their children, become educated about healthy eating habits and market their ideas publicly to spread the word.

To order a free copy of Changing the Scene, obtain an order form from www.fns.usda.gov/tn/resources/changing.html. The FNS urges parents, teachers, food service staff and school administrators to apply, and, in addition to information on how you first heard of the program, asks only for general information about the applicant and school where it will be implemented.