By

Liza Asch,   Equestrian Trails Elementary School

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Access to Healthy Foods,  Success with Funds

Through the use of FUTP 60 Funds, a donation from the supermarket, and some volunteer parents, we were able to provide every class with a healthy Halloween treat. The volunteers put together jack-o-lantern pumpkin trays made out of carrots, black olives, and a zucchini stem. The kids enjoyed their healthy option. In some classes, no junk food was allowed. Other teachers believe it is a "once in a while" celebration so they can have whatever they want, although it did seem that our email home did reach some parents. Some healthy edibles were apple Dracula teeth; "candy corn" cups made of pineapple, clementines and yogurt; clementine jack-o-lanterns; spiders made from whole grain crackers, low fat cream cheese, pretzels, and raisins. We also sent home a letter that had many, many different options for the Halloween parties than just food. Some classes did crafts, gave out pencils and spider rings, took silly pumpkin photos, etc.

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

Through donations, FUTP 60 Funds, and fundraisers, we plan to continue doing different holiday snacks throughout the year. Some examples - cinnamon/nutmeg pumpkin seeds for Thanksgiving and a rainbow of fruit for St. Patrick's Day.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

A majority of the classes had at least one healthy alternative. We have also involved the students in a 3-week district-wide competition amongst the staff where they must track their healthy snacks.