Greetings from France and the Forum on Children, Obesity, Food Choice and the Environment

April 23, 2007 | Written By: Healthy Schools Campaign

by Jean Saunders, HSC School Wellness Director

Jean is attending the 2007 International Exchange Forum on Children, Obesity, Food Choice and the Environment in the Loire Valley of France. Her entries will be posted throughout the week.

Nous sommes arrivées! (We have arrived!)

Greetings from France –- where spring has sprung! The trees are in flower, the fields are bright green and yellow (the canola is blooming) and the outdoor café season is definitely in full swing.

My first day in France began with an orientation –- espresso at an outdoor cafe while waiting for the train to Tours at Gare Montparnasse.

I knew the trip was off to a good start when moments after meeting, Kate Adamick, one of the forum speakers, and I jumped right into an intense conversation about school food in the United States. Our discussion about lunch reimbursement rates barely missed a beat as we walked through the winding streets of the old part of Tours. I know you’ll enjoy reading Kate’s blog describing her impressions of the Tours café scene.

When we met up with the other U.S. delegates on Sunday afternoon, the idea and information exchange began in earnest. And, without much of a sales pitch, I’ve been able to convince fellow forum participants to make contributions to the blog.

Can’t wait to tell you more after our meeting tomorrow morning!

A bientôt!