Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo Visits Odyssey Charter School to Advance Healthy School Lunches

Schools are on the front lines of children’s health

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, MD, PhD, joined health and education leaders, national nutrition experts, and community dignitaries at Odyssey Charter School Elementary for a special convening focused on the future of healthy school lunches and Odyssey’s 26-year journey to becoming a healthy school model.

The Odyssey Board of Directors, Odyssey founder Constance Ortiz, and leaders from the School of Lunch and MAHA welcomed Dr. Ladapo. Guests toured Odyssey Elementary, explored the school’s green, wellness-centered campus, and visited its organic gardens.

A highlight of the visit was a specially prepared School of Lunch meal featuring nutrient-dense, whole foods designed to model how children are optimally nourished.

School of Lunch founders Hilary Boynton and Charles Barth traveled to Odyssey to work side-by-side with Odyssey’s and School of Lunch chefs, showcasing scratch-cooked meals that prioritize protein, healthy fats, and real ingredients.

The program also outlined the policy and research pathways needed to advance school nutrition. Deirdre Goldfarb, SOL West Foundation board member and general counsel for MAHA Action Inc., outlined key regulatory hurdles and implementation barriers.

Dr. Nina Teicholz, a nutrition researcher, spoke about a proposed children’s health research initiative to study the impact of improved school nutrition on student health, behavior, and learning.

“Schools are on the front lines of children’s health,” said Ortiz. “This visit affirmed that Odyssey is ready now to lead the nation with real food, a healthy campus, and strong partnerships, toward a model that can scale nationally.”

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