San Francisco (August 28, 2024) - Twenty-four San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) middle school students' artwork is featured on Muni buses now through the end of November. The students competed in the Tasty Routes Art Competition, created by the Student Nutrition Advocacy Crew Kids Club (SNACK Club). Their artwork depicts a range of California specialty crops and highlights nutritional facts.
Through the Tasty Routes Art Competition, students discovered and explored what local fruits and vegetables are harvested in various months. The competition was open to the eight middle schools (Bessie Carmichael MS, Buena Vista Horace Mann MS, Denman MS, Everett MS, Francisco MS, Presidio MS, Visitacion Valley MS, and Willie Brown MS) participating in the SNACK Club, seven of which are low-income schools. Over 5,000 students were encouraged to explore their creative side by creating art pieces to submit that highlighted California specialty crops.
“It’s thrilling to have our students’ artwork pop up across the city so that tens of thousands of Muni riders and San Francisco residents can enjoy it each day,” SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne said. “The brilliance and creativity of SFUSD students never ceases to amaze me. I’m grateful to our schools and Muni for giving students the opportunity to express their learning about health and wellness in such an impactful way.”
“Muni is excited to showcase the creative talents of SFUSD students while promoting healthy eating habits across our city. By featuring these vibrant artworks on our buses, it provides an engaging way to illustrate the importance of local, nutritious foods,” SFMTA Marketing Manager Jeanne Brophy said.
In 2023, with the support of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Student and Family Services Division established the SNACK Club for students at eight middle schools to promote leadership, nutrition education, and empower students to advocate for peer education. The SNACK Club aims to equip students with lifelong skills and inspire healthy habits that extend beyond their school years.
In addition to their artwork being featured from August through November on Muni buses, all 24 winners received between $25 and $250 thanks to support from a San Francisco Sugary Drinks Distributor Tax Grant. Communities can expect to see their students' artwork on the public buses reaching 24 million impressions by Nov. 1st when the campaign ends.
Photos of posters can be found here CDFA Posters.
###
