By

Heather Borden,   Springport Middle School

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Access to Healthy Foods

The FUTP 60 Student Team at Springport Middle School put on an event on February 14, 2017 offering their peers samples of Dried Michigan Cherries as a healthy alternative to the typical sweet treats consumed on Valentine’s Day. Along with the cherry tasting, the students led a fun “spin the wheel” activity that gave students the opportunity to learn nutrition and agricultural production facts about Michigan Cherries. Students also asked their peers to sign the FUTP 60 pledge banner. They plan to hang the banner prominently in the cafeteria as a reminder of their commitment to improving the health of their school community through increased physical activity and healthier food choices.

How did students and adults work together as a team?

MSU Extension Staff members purchased supplies for the event, while students planned the details and interacted with peers on the day of the event.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

Students needed to have permission to miss their classes in order to be able to serve cherries and interact with their peers during all three lunch periods.

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

The FUTP 60 student team had their peers sign the school pledge banner and they plan to hang the banner in the cafeteria. Students discussed doing a health focused event every Valentine's Day. Next year, they will include a physical activity component and reach out to more teachers to participate in the initiative in their individual classroom celebrations.