Elementary school students in Texas are learning all about eating healthy through Aldine Independent School District (ISD) Child Nutrition Service’s program called “Learn, Grow, Cook.” The field trip for students in fourth and fifth grades takes them from their school to the nutrition department’s offices at M.B. Sonny Donaldson Child Nutrition Center where they visit the nutrition department’s classroom, garden and kitchen in a three-part experience.
First, they receive a lesson in the nutrition department’s lab. The district’s nutritionist talks to them about foods that provide vitamins/minerals to assist the body in maximizing its full potential for growth and development. The lesson incorporates information from USDA’s My Plate Guidelines and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
“We teach them about proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy and give them examples of healthy choices so they can make good choices,” said Addie Forbord, Nutritionist for Aldine ISD Child Nutrition Services.
The students then head outside to the garden. What they just learned in the nutrition lab is tied to what is growing in the garden. Depending on the season, the students either get a chance to help with planting and/or harvesting the organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible plants/flowers in the garden.
“While outside in the garden, we find the students are frequently sharing stories about home gardens or a prior experience with a planting activity they have supported,” said Carrie Allen, Registered Dietitian, Aldine ISD Child Nutrition Services.
After their time in the garden, the students head inside to the Child Nutrition culinary kitchen to wash up and put on chef hats, aprons and gloves. There, they learn how to prepare a healthy and nutritious snack to take home and share with friends and family. As part of the lesson, the students learn how to safely use kitchen utensils.
Some of the items they’ve made include spaghetti squash marinara, homemade pizza, yogurt parfaits and quinoa and vegetable stir fry. The students are also sent home with copies of recipes in English and Spanish so they can share it with their families.
“We do this nutrition program with the fourth and fifth graders because research has shown that this is a good age group to make a lasting impact on their food choices,” said Susan D’Amico, Executive Director for Aldine ISD Child Nutrition Services.
The Learn, Grow, Cook field trip is held every other Friday during the school year. With about forty elementary schools in the district, the program operates on a two-year cycle to reach all fourth and fifth-grade classes. Aldine ISD Child Nutrition Services’ nutritionist also works with the district’s health and physical education coordinators to provide nutrition education classes and talk to students about balanced meals and more.
Aldine ISD nutrition department has been offering its Learn, Grow, Cook field trips for about six years. A grant initially covered the costs to build the garden and renovate classroom space. The program is now funded through the nutrition department’s budget.
Aldine ISD serves about 51,000 lunches each day. While this garden does not provide enough produce to be used in the school’s kitchens, the district is committed to providing farm-fresh produce from its partners in the community. Throughout the school year, the nutrition department has what it calls “Farm Fresh Friday.” Each week students are treated to Texas-grown produce and learn the benefits of eating locally-grown produce.
