Karletta Poland, nutrition educator and a registered dietitian in the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, visited Warren Harding Middle School over the past year to lend her time and expertise to the Healthy Schools Program implemented at Warren Harding Middle School. In August, the middle school was presented with the 2006-2007 Healthy Schools Program Recognition Bronze Level Award.

During the program, Poland worked to convey the importance of nutrition and physical activity in a healthy lifestyle. She provided information to parent outreach programs, community health fairs, and weekly nutrition classes which focused on healthy snacks, drinks, and the importance of breakfast. Poland also assisted Deborah Notte, Warren Harding Middle School Nurse, by providing pedometers to 20 staff members to promote physical activity. This group lost a total of 250 pounds.

Drexel University is a partner with The School District of Philadelphia on a grant funded through Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Tracks, whose mission is to develop and implement community based nutrition education programs for individuals and families who are eligible to receive Food Stamps. Pennsylvania Tracks is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services and with matching state and local support.