In a community called KARE, the local school district invites students to “get on the plate” and get more involved in what’s on the tray.
Savage, Minnesota — if dining at Hamilton Ridge Elementary School At Savage, your first choice will be vegetables.
Part of the reason is the location of the lunch line’s healthier options, but it’s also Prior Lake Savage School District Turn lunchtime into a learning opportunity.
One of the first lessons: Taste the rainbow isn’t just for Skittles.
“So I read a book and said that it’s not like eating a lot of junk food of all colors, just like eating a rainbow to like it. Try eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. There are so many colors,” said Mackenzie Vapness, a fifth grader at Hamilton Ridge.
Children in our summer program can join the Garden Club, where they learn inside and out “farm to lunch table.”
You will then have the knowledge to share how consuming these healthy foods can help your school.
“When I’m healthier, I can focus more, so I come up with it faster,” said fourth-grader Gabrielle Morrissey.
“I feel better,” added Haley Demers, also a fifth grader.
But of course there will be those who deny it. Where is the elementary school without them? That’s why we have “Try It Tuesday”.
“Every Tuesday, they have something new that the kids have never experienced before, or they just make it, so you can get it. It’s ‘try it out.’ It’s something like
Radishes made our “to try” list and the kids’ new favorites we spoke with, microgreens. Welter explains.
The school also uses a variety of cooking techniques and spices to amplify the flavor of vegetables, making them more palatable to students.
Peer pressure is usually something to be avoided, but school districts believe that putting that pressure in the cafeteria can help children make healthier choices. I think it’s a good thing, because there’s a bit of positive peer pressure that if you know your friends are eating a new vegetable, they might be more inclined to try it. If you see people eating it and saying it’s good, you might want to try it.
She’s also stepping up the educational component with her “Know Your Farmer” initiative. We have many partners to work with.”
Some of our farmers come to the cafeteria to discuss growing their food. I hope the mealtime lessons turn into lifelong eating habits.
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