Last year, we shared our love of fresh, nutritious food with over 500 elementary students during the school day in their classrooms! We want all kids to have the tools they need to make healthy choices that fuel their growing bodies and minds. Here’s what the students had to say after fun lessons and tastings featuring ingredients like spinach, carrots, and beans from their school gardens, as well as trying spaghetti squash spaghetti, blueberry parfaits, veggie stir fry, lemon slices, bell peppers, cucumbers, pears, cantaloupe, mangos, pomegranates, and fresh coconut.

• “This is my 1st time having a salad.
• “I am definitely going to make this when I get home.”
• “I want even more.”
• “I give you 5 stars.”
• “I loved all the vegetables.”
• “I want seconds.”

After the lessons, our partner teachers noticed a change in their students’ behavior. There was excitement around identifying and choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, and chatter about trying recipes at home. Teachers told us:

• “My students are more willing to try new foods.”
• “It was great to see the kids get to try new things that they maybe have never even seen before. The recipes going home are a great connection to families as well!”
• “I have noticed that students are proud of choosing healthier options during snack.”
• “I have been out doing home visits this week. One mom said that her child is interested in eating more fruits at home now. Another mom had said that her child loves to help cook with the materials that were given to bring home from the lessons.”