Tony Lucchesi the National Educator for Source Naturals joins us to talk about Wellness Formula. Twenty-five years ago, Wellness Formula pioneered the industry’s first wellness-immune category. Since then, millions have turned to Wellness at the first sign of immune symptoms.

Christophe Merville the national Pharmacy Development Manager for Boiron joins us to talk about homeopathy and share with us the benefits of Oscillo during the cold and flu season.

Julie Black submitted the entry on behalf of the Albert Einstein Academies. She has a 4th grader attending the school and really believes that if one school in the San Diego district can make a change, then the other schools will jump on board – “the kids are going to be so excited.”

In reviewing all the entries, it was really incredible to see that not only are parents interested in getting healthier food into their school lunch rooms but kids are too. These videos were inspiring to all of us at Whole Foods Market. The kids and community at Albert Einstein Academies did an super job of showcasing the importance of healthy eating and really tapped their creativity to produce what we believe could be an award winning spot for Healthy Eating in schools.

That being said we’ve got to mention some outstanding performances from the competition:

• Preston Veteran’s Memorial School, Preston CT -  You all had us smiling ear to ear. Can we hire your organic cow? With a community that cares that much we know that you guys are going  places.
• Gilbert Christian School, AZ – Okay, someone there is going to end up making movies some day. Chef Ann loved the impersonation and we could not get over the creativity…great job!
• Border Star Montessori School, Kansas City – We can tell you all have a great community with people who really want CHANGE. We loved that the kids wanted healthier foods and that the parents and teachers were invested in the process. We know you will get there…keep us updated.

Check out the entries and don’t forget to check back as we will be showing coverage of Chef Ann’s trip to Albert Einstein Academies and following the progress of their lunch program.

We are excited to let you know that the just released “Here We Grow” documentary directed by Craig King is now exclusively available in our stores. In this 65-minute film, Craig, a natural foods chef and entrepreneur, explores the current state of our food supply and seeks to educate people about living healthier, more wholesome lives through socially responsible food choices. The film intends to raise national awareness through inspiring interviews and stories that capture the passion and personal investment of a diverse group of individuals. The documentary also educates everyone on the pandemic expansion of dangerous chemicals that were introduced into food seeds and crop soils at an alarming rate over the last 40 years.

Revenues from the film go toward community projects that demonstrate the actions necessary to restore America’s health. 20% of the sales go directly to our partner, Ann Cooper, and her School Lunch Revolution project.

Here’s a trailer from the film. Check it out and look for the DVD in your local Whole Foods Market.

Here’s your chance to get Chef Ann Cooper, a.k.a. the “Renegade Lunch Lady,” to your home town! Ann has been making school lunch programs healthier across the U.S. for the past decade. This is your chance to bring her to your school or district for your very own action plan to improve your lunch program. Find out more about Chef Ann and what she does at www.chefann.com.

How To Enter

• Make sure your video is 1 minute or less
• Upload your video to your YouTube account
• Send an email to schoollunchmakeover@wholefoods.com with your
  • full name
  • email
  • phone number
  • home address
  • school or school district name
  • a link to your video.

Remember

How you present your case matters! We will be selecting the winner based on originality and your ability to showcase the need and community excitement around improving your school lunch program.

Example Video

View the video below to see an example entry that might help you with ideas on how to shape yours.

Official Rules and Instructions

EFAs (essential fatty acids) are crucial for healthy growing brains and mental function. Here is straight and simple info to help you understand EFAs and how to find the ones that support children’s focus and brain function.

Douglas MacKay is a licensed naturopathic doctor who serves as Nordic Naturals Research Advisor. He is Founder of Makai Naturopathic Center in Dover, NH.

Dr. Chris Marchioni is a board certified family medicine physician with over 20 years of clinical experience, and is Executive Director of Healthy Learning Paths, a Colorado nonprofit delivering educational resources for families.  For more information, www.healthylearningpaths.org.

Packing a delicious, healthy lunch is easier than you might think! Check out Chef Ann’s favorite lunch box choices for healthy kids and a healthy planet.

For more great recipes ideas from Chef Ann Cooper and Whole Foods Market, check out our Back to School recipes!

We are proud to introduce an exclusive new product to our stores* that just came in earlier this month. Clementine Art is a Boulder, CO based company that has created the first all natural line of children’s art supplies that include crayons, markers, paint, play dough, and glue. Check out this video for more insights into their high quality, eco-friendly, 100% non-toxic products – perfect for your little one’s burgeoning art career.

* These products are available at most Whole Foods Market locations in the Whole Body department.

Life lessons about nutrition start at home. Chef Ann Cooper shares ideas for turning leftovers from some of her dinner recipes into healthy lunches for the next day.

For more great recipes ideas from Chef Ann Cooper and Whole Foods Market, check out our Back to School recipes!