Foundation for Healthy Schools

Foundation for Healthy Schools and Seafood Consumers Association Form Strategic Partnership to Advance Nutrition Education in Schools Worldwide

Groundbreaking collaboration targets child health through sustainable seafood education and school-based nutrition programs

September 29, 2025 – The Seafood Consumers Association (SCA) and the Foundation for Healthy Schools (FHS) today announced a strategic partnership (Memorandum of Understanding) to collaborate on educational initiatives that promote healthy eating habits, with particular emphasis on the nutritional benefits of specific foods in child development, maternal health, and overall well-being.

This pioneering partnership brings together SCA's mission to empower seafood consumers through awareness and access to safe, nutritious seafood with FHS's mission to cultivate healthy children through knowledge, nutrition, and nature, with a commitment to integrating hands-on edible plant cultivation into school environments. Together, the organizations will develop comprehensive educational resources and campaigns targeting school communities, families, and educators across multiple countries.

"This partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical gap in seafood nutrition education within our schools," said SCA Chair, Peter Wright at Seafood Consumers Association. "With childhood obesity rates rising globally and many children lacking access to essential omega-3 fatty acids, this collaboration will help ensure young people understand the vital role seafood plays in their development and long-term health."

“Adding the protein into the hands-on cultivation of edible plants evolves the health teachings,” says Ron Calonico, co-founder and executive director for the Foundation for Healthy Schools.

“We find that our children and youth today are negatively influenced in an advancing digital artificial world that creates a disconnect to the life that gives life. This is a big part of why the Foundation was created,” adds Gregory Bundschoks, founder of FHS.

Comprehensive Areas of Collaboration

The partnership will focus on five key areas designed to maximize impact across educational and community settings:

Educational Initiatives:Both organizations will co-develop age-appropriate educational materials, lesson plans, and interactive campaigns that teach students about healthy eating patterns, sustainable food choices, and the connection between nutrition and academic performance. These resources will align with existing curriculum standards while introducing practical knowledge about food preparation, safety, and selection.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Joint digital content and awareness programs will target school communities, parents, and educators through coordinated messaging across multiple platforms. These campaigns will emphasize the importance of the first 1,000 days of life and how proper nutrition during this critical period affects lifelong health outcomes.
Research and Policy Engagement: The partnership will facilitate sharing of data and insights related to school-based nutrition programs, sustainable food practices, and the effectiveness of seafood and plant-based hands-on education initiatives. Both organizations will engage in policy dialogues at local, national, and global levels to advocate for improved nutritional standards and educational requirements.
Events and Outreach: Joint participation in workshops, conferences, webinars, and community campaigns will help build stakeholder networks and raise awareness about the importance of seafood and cultivated plant nutrition in child development. These events will bring together educators, nutrition professionals, policymakers, and industry experts.
Digital Integration: The organizations will link their websites and platforms to amplify educational resources, including innovative QR code integration in educational tools that connect students and families directly to trusted seafood and healthy edible plant information and recipes.

Addressing Critical Health Challenges

Research consistently demonstrates that children who consume adequate nutrition show improved cognitive development, better academic performance, and reduced risk of chronic diseases later in life. However, many school nutrition programs lack comprehensive nutritional and consumption education, and families often struggle with knowledge about preparation, selection, and safety.

"The Foundation for Healthy Schools has long recognized that sustainable nutrition education must extend beyond the classroom," said Ron Calonico, Co-Founder & Executive Director at Foundation for Healthy Schools. "By partnering with the Seafood Consumers Association, we're ensuring that students, families, and educators have access to evidence-based information about one of the most nutritious and sustainable protein and plant food sources available."

Global Impact and Future Expansion

The partnership is designed to be scalable across different countries and educational systems, with initial programs launching in participating in schools within the next six months. Both organizations anticipate expanding the collaboration to include additional stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations.

The MOU also establishes frameworks for ongoing evaluation and improvement of educational materials, ensuring that content remains current with the latest nutritional science and sustainable food practices. Regular assessment will measure program effectiveness in changing student knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to healthy eating

About the Foundation for Healthy Schools

The Foundation for Healthy Schools is a leading advocate for integrating comprehensive health and nutrition programs into educational settings. The organization develops evidence-based resources, training programs, and policy recommendations that support schools in creating healthier environments for learning and development. Visit www.foundationforhealthyschools.org for more information.

About the Seafood Consumers Association

The Seafood Consumers Association is an Australian registered global nonprofit charity organization dedicated to empowering consumers through education, advocacy, and access to safe, sustainable, and nutritious seafood. SCA works to bridge the gap between industry practices and consumer needs while promoting transparency, safety, and sustainability throughout the seafood supply chain. Learn more at www.seafoodconsumers.global

This partnership announcement reflects both organizations' commitment to improving global health outcomes through innovative education and sustainable nutrition practices.

Media Contact:

Foundation for Healthy Schools: Ron Calonica, Co-founder / Director

Email: admn@foundationforhealthyschools.org Phone: 1-408-761-9200

Seafood Consumers Association: CEO, Roy Palmer

Email: seafoodsdg@outlook.com Phone: +61 492825012