By

Angela Kivett,   Central Elementary School

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Access to Healthy Foods

When Central Elementary's Fuel Up to Play 60 team meets for their meeting, they get an opportunity to try a new fruit or vegetable. The students learn about the new fruit/vegetable, sample it, write what they thought about it, and take that information back to their class to share. There is a bulletin board dedicated to Fuel Up to Play 60, and each month the item sampled is displayed for the school to see with pictures, information, and the students' thoughts on what they tried. It is a great learning experience for the whole school. It promotes students to try new items, even if they look strange or have a unique name. Students are learning that there is more to snacking and trying new things is fun!

How did students and adults work together as a team?

Our team worked together to try new things that the students have never heard of before. They were open to new ideas and motivated to get other students involved in trying new, healthier items.

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

Our principal has given us a Fuel Up to Play 60 budget, and we are hoping to get a grant as well to help fund these samplings each month. With the idea to possibly offer these unique fruit and vegetables to the classroom as a healthy snack alternative. We want to have the students explore new fruits and vegetables that are available in the grocery store.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Students are talking about Fuel Up to Play 60. Students are excited about what we are doing. Students are motivated to try new things and get active.