More good news coming our way from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: The Milwaukee Public Schools system is making efforts to improve the nutritional quality of the meals it offers, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. The school system has partnered with the national nonprofit Growing Power, Inc., to incorporate more vegetables into the district's snack program and improve the nutritional quality of the schools' lunches and vending machine options. Individual schools are also working with local farmers...

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  Hey Catalyst!We need your help!  A bill has been introduced in the Minnesota House that would weaken the statewide smoke-free law, the Freedom to Breathe Act. It would allow smoking in some bars if they have a ventilation system.  This would be a BIG step backwards.  We know that ventilation does not eliminate the dangerous chemicals - including cancer-causing carcinogens - present in secondhand smoke.Catalyst knows the Freedom to Breathe Act is important to...

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Willmar public schools are already doing great work to bring food from local Minnesota farms into their school cafeterias.  And they are even serving as an example for schools across the state and around the country who want to do the same! Willmar features a new local ingredient each month, and students help decide which ingredients become part of regular rotation, and which recipes are a success.  The school food service program hands out samples...

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Hilltop Schools in Somersworth, NH are part of the national "Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program" (FFVP).  They received a $10,000 grant from the New Hampshire Department of Education to take part in the FFVP initiative.  As a result they are able to serve students a new fresh fruit or veggie snack each day.  These healthy snacks have included strawberries, watermelon, cucumber, baked potato snacks and more! And they're even using local farms to source a...

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Sorry for the delay everyone!  It's been a busy few weeks for Catalyst - with the Freedom to Breathe Act celebrating its first anniversary on October 1, 2008, and the Catalyst Youth board Retreat October 10-12, 2008. We had a blast celebrating Freedom to Breathe across the state.  Catalyst youth board member Nikki Bunnell and adult board member Alicia Bauman collaborated on a Freedom to Breathe anniversary celebration in St. Cloud (see photos below). Catalyst...

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<!--[endif]-->   Call for Entries: Smoke-Free In Symbols: A Creative Expression Challenge   The Freedom to Breathe Act was implemented on October 1st, 2007, is supported by 76% of Minnesotans, and has improved the health of hospitality workers by reducing their exposure to the dangers of secondhand smoke statewide.  To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the smoke-free law, Smoke-Free Dakota invites area artists to express their support for the Freedom to Breathe Act by submitting...

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One year ago today Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the Freedom to Breathe provisions into law!  Let's all take a moment to take a deep breath and recognize how much we can do when we work together and persevere! Unfortunately, Big Tobacco won't let us pause for long.  Onward, Catalyst, there's more to be done!  Regroup: Catalyst Summit 2008 . . . see you there!  

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The Bemidji Killer Quotes stop turned out awesome! We had no idea what to expect from the bands, to the kids, to the venue, but it was really incredible. Almost 150 kids turned out for the show, we had 5 killer bands - Patience of the Hero (Bemidji), Lost in Prague (Minneapolis), Earn your Stripes (Minneapolis) To Say the Least (Bemidji) and Black Armada (Bemidji). It was cool to see many kids come out for...

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Get psyched for an awesome Killer Quotes event in downtown Bemidji. We've got 2 bands confirmed, and they rock, we're really excited they are coming. And we've got more on the way. LOST ON PRAGUE Earn Your Stripes Patience of the Hero TO SAY THE LEAST   Here's the details of the event Saturday April 12th Doors 6:30pm Show starts at 7pm Lost in Prague Earn Your Stripes Patience of the Hero To say the...

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  Congratulations to our friends in Nebraska for passing a statewide smoke-free workplace policy!  All workplaces - including restaurants, bars, and gaming facilities - will be completely smoke-free as of June 1, 2009! Here's a quick excerpt from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids press release - it's exciting to see all of these smoke-free states, countries and territories all on one list (including Minnesota!): "Nebraska joins 22 other states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico in...

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 We are counting down!  October 1st is almost here and Catalyst is ready to celebrate.  Before we do, it is time to talk it up and spread the word! We got some great news coverage of the Catalyst rally at the Capitol and now it is time for Catalyst members across the state to reach out to local media outlets and spread the word. We have something that will help you get started!  Check out...

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We're celebrating Minnesota going smoke free! Come grab free food, hang out with other Catalyst members, and listen to a variety of performers all for FREE! Can you believe it?Come to the party!Date: Oct. 1 7:00PM-9:30It's at the Black Dog Cafe in Downtown St. Paul308 Prince StSt. Paul, MN 55101Download the flyer here 

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   Want to give Tobacco Underground somewhere but don't know how? We've got the solution, this presentation is all about how to fine tune your public speaking skills and leave your audience in tears, of astonishment of course.    Click here to download the How to Give Tobaccco Underground Catalyst is all about sharing information. We believe everyone should have access to the presentations we do. Feel free to use these presentations, and mention Catalyst....

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