By

Tina Birgen,   Hillcrest Elem

Play:

Topics:

Access to Healthy Foods

Our school launched a new healthy taste testing snack program for five weeks. During the “What is it Wednesday?” time period, students and classroom teachers experimented in taste testing various healthy fruits or vegetables. Our Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisors and food service staff compiled a list of healthy snack items that are not typically served in school. Each Wednesday, classroom teachers distributed a nutritional fact sheet and an individually prepared healthy snack item. A “Healthy Selfie” bulletin board was created to showcase our taste testing journey of students trying the various types of snacks.

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

Since funding was only available for a five-week period, we plan to work together communicating healthy choices through morning announcements, classroom education, and the school newsletter. Next year our school will apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grant. The grant would provide funds to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for students and staff throughout the entire 2017 – 2018 school year. Various new selections would be served twice a week.