Urban School Food Alliance's NAE Chicken Pilot Sets New Nutrition Standards in Schools

Urban School Food Alliance Completes NAE Chicken Pilot

The Urban School Food Alliance (USFA), a dedicated coalition of school nutrition professionals, has recently concluded its groundbreaking No Antibiotic Ever (NAE) Chicken Pilot. This significant initiative, which took place from 2021 to 2024, focused on the sourcing and distribution of chicken raised entirely without antibiotics, aiming to address growing concerns surrounding antibiotic resistance and to promote better health for students in urban school districts.

One of the major accomplishments of the NAE Chicken Pilot was the delivery of an impressive 955,550 pounds of NAE chicken to schools across the country. This initiative provided students with healthier protein options while serving as a vital case study for large-scale procurement of antibiotic-free food products in educational systems. This pilot project has set a new benchmark in the school nutrition landscape and displayed the potential for large-scale health transformation.

To celebrate the conclusion of the pilot, USFA has launched “Boost the Roost,” a comprehensive digital recap that offers an in-depth look into the project. This resource provides an array of materials including videos, interviews with stakeholders such as school district members, USFA staff, project partners, and medical professionals. Additional content includes articles, quotes, and a detailed project timeline.

The pilot unfolded in four key phases:

1. Research & Discovery - This phase involved challenging and redefining the traditional procurement processes of school nutrition. The emphasis was placed on more than just delivering products; it revolved around embracing transformational procurement.

2. Product Launch - It saw nearly 1 million pounds of clean-label NAE chicken procured, purchased, and delivered successfully to schools.

3. Results & Successes - Extensive measurement of the initiative’s impact and outcomes was conducted to assess its success.

4. Looking Ahead - The project concluded with a strong commitment to continue advocating for NAE and clean-label products in schools throughout the nation.

Dr. Katie Wilson, the Executive Director of USFA, states, “Through innovation, collaboration, and determination, we proved that a new approach to procurement was possible.” This sentiment is echoed by Jill Kidd, the Director of Procurement and Business Innovation Initiatives for USFA, who noted how the pilot effectively tested systems to leverage collective buying power from School Nutrition Programs.

Moreover, Manish P. Singh, the Director of Food Services at the Los Angeles Unified School District, passionately advocated for superior food options stating, “We want a better product. We want kids to get better food. This is all part of the initiative.” This illustrates the project’s dedication to fostering healthy dietary offerings for students.

The digital recap not only serves as a report on the project but as an empowering resource designed for other districts aiming to source NAE chicken. USFA encourages school districts, food service professionals, and other stakeholders to explore the detailed information provided and join the movement towards healthier school nutrition options.

For more insights and to access the full digital recap, please visit Boost the Roost. This project not only demonstrates the importance of NAE chicken in schools but has also paved the way for schools nationwide to take significant steps towards implementing similar dietary changes.

The USFA continues to advocate for improved school nutrition and believes the insights gained from this pilot can positively influence school meal programs across the United States.