The Academy for Global Citizenship is committed to enhancing our students' health and the environment by reducing our overall exposure and contribution to toxic chemicals from synthetic pesticide usage that can end up in our ground, air, water and food supply. By choosing to serve an organic breakfast and lunch, AGC is significantly benefiting the health of our students, the environment, and our local communities.

Our organic menus nourish children's bodies immediately, and provide students with knowledge that enhances their educational experience by encouraging mindful eating, creating more awareness about food origins, and cultivating long-term healthy eating habits.

An important part of serving an organic breakfast and lunch is ensuring that our children eat the highest quality food available while reducing our carbon food footprint. By purchasing local foods in-season, when they are available, we eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles; we support local farmers; we encourage community growth and establish relationships; and we enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh organic foods.

The Academy for Global Citizenship has developed a comprehensive wellness policy, which includes the following quality and nutritional standards:

• 100% organic
• Local produce and ingredients are used whenever possible.
• A variety of fresh, organic fruits are served at every breakfast and lunch.
• Fresh, organic vegetables are incorporated into breakfast meals and are served steamed or sautéed at every lunch.
• Fresh, organically grown produce from the Academy for Global Citizenship's schoolyard garden is incorporated into nutrition education projects in the classroom and is sent home with our families.
• A variety whole grains and legumes are incorporated into meals daily, such as kamut, barley, quinoa, brown rice, beans, oats and whole wheat pasta.
• A nutritionally balanced vegetarian option is offered at every meal.
• Organic rice milk, organic non-GMO soymilk, and organic rbST- and hormone-free milk are offered at every meal.
• All meats are organic, grass-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free; red meat is not served.
• Our food is prepared fresh daily from scratch in our kitchen.
• Our food does not contain high fructose corn syrup, trans fats or peanuts.
• We feature foods that are free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and sweeteners.

The Academy for Global Citizenship's organic breakfast and lunch program requires additional funding and is only made possible through generous private support. Click here to learn more funding opportunities.

Resources:

Chicagos Farmers Markets

Local Harvest - National Farmers Markets

The Organic Center

The Organic Report

Samples Menus:

Organic Breakfast

Organic Lunch