Introduction to Protein for All
We have identified four key components to establishing a successful Protein for All program:
Education
Protein for All teaches people in the court system about simple ways to spend more time in the responsive part of their brain instead of the more highly charged, emotionally reactive part.
When they do this, they have more energy and can make better choices. It also prevents burnout and secondary trauma and helps people stay healthier in the long run.
Champions
“I wish I’d known earlier that self-care is part of the job so that I can maintain optimal decision-making ability.”
One reason Protein for All works well in courts is that it helps deal with the stress everyone feels there.
When someone who has been through a lot finds out that eating protein can make them feel calmer, they want to tell others about it. These people were some of the first Protein for All supporters. Their enthusiasm started a movement that's now part of a Washington State program run by the Parent Ally Program, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), and other state programs.
Who are examples of Protein for All Champions?
Anyone can be a Protein for All Champion: judicial officers, attorneys, Parent Allies, and court coordinators are all driving forces behind Protein for All programs.
Usually, a Protein for All Champion has personally experienced how paying attention to what they eat helps them feel good and makes a positive difference for the people around them.
Protein-rich snacks
Protein-rich foods should contain at least 10 grams of protein and between 10 and 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Examples of protein-rich foods include nuts, jerky, protein bars, protein shakes, (some) sandwiches, and other low-cost foods.
Protein-rich foods can be purchased at reasonable prices from grocery stores and other stores, such as Costco and Grocery Outlet
Low Cost, Actionable, Data-Driven Systems
“When parents come to my office I have my receptionist give them a protein bar and when I am at court we both eat a protein bar. I can have a much more focused conversation”
Protein for All works well because it lets each court or office set up the program in a way that suits them best.
Low-cost: It doesn’t take a lot of money to start a Protein for All program. There are protein bars for as little as $1 each, protein shakes don’t cost much more. Fruit and nut packs from larger retail outlets can be bought in bulk to bring the cost per serving down. Asking for donations of a box or two of protein bars or other protein-rich snacks is an opportunity to tell your community about the Program and to get a larger number of people involved. Also - when starting a program, it’s ok to start by serving a smaller group of people. As momentum builds, you can always expand your program.
Actionable: Protein for All programs come in all shapes and sizes. One of the strengths is that programs easily modified for different contexts. It can start with a single person offering a protein-rich snack to someone struggling, or it can be integrated at multiple levels, involving entire teams and extended support networks. The important thing is to find a tool that feels accessible for your unique context and to start practicing with it until it feels comfortable.
Data-driven: Collecting data can feel daunting, but we have found it to be critical for sustaining programs over time. From people making donations to grantors, from staff to directors - everyone likes confirmation that their contributions are making a difference. The section on data in Part 2 of this course provides more ideas and details.
For examples and ideas, see the Toolkit narrative to learn how counties in Washington State are using the Protein for All program.