Florida’s new school nutrition director has no nutrition management experience

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced Friday the new leader charged with feeding Floridas 2.6 million children healthier, locally-grown school meals will be someone with no school nutrition management experience.

Robin Safley, a consultant with Capital Health Plan, will be heading the states nearly billion dollar school feeding program starting next week.

Putnam said in a statement that Safley’s appointment will “be a great asset” as the Department of Agriculture tries to create “a school nutrition program that encourages active lifestyles and healthy eating habits.”

Safley has law and communications degrees from Florida State University and has served in numerous governmental departments. She served as general counsel for the Florida Department of Commerce, chief of staff to former Sen. Jim Scott and chief of staff to Charlie Crist during his time as education commissioner.

Safley, a marathoner and triathelete, promoted healthy living to school children with her work through a collaborative fitness program called Capital Health Plan Champions. The program encouraged physical activity in Tallahassee-area schools. Safley was also active with the Leon County Education Foundation and the Leon High School Foundation.

Her appointment comes at a time when the federal government is taking a bigger interest in promoting wellness in schools.

The agriculture department is preparing to take full control of the state school food program Jan. 1.

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Tags: Nutrition, School Nutrition   Posted in Education Info