Food Adventures goes to Monument Valley Middle School

On May 27, Robert Hoechster of The Nutrition Center and Jenny Schwartz of The Berkshire Co-op Market ventured into Monument Valley Middle School where they conducted a unique program called Food Adventures for two 7th grade classes.  Food Adventures is a hands-on cooking program that is designed to get kids excited about healthy eating.  The program is funded by The Nutrition Center and grants; Food Adventures was a recent recipient of a grant awarded by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Before delegating ingredient preparation and cooking tasks, Robert and Jenny posed the question “What does healthy eating mean to you?” and were greeted with very thoughtful responses.  Judging from the smiles on their faces, everyone enjoyed preparing the Tofu Breakfast Burrito, even if a few students did seem initially skeptical about trying the snack.  After receiving some positive feedback from their adventurous peers, the majority of students took a bite of the burrito, and most asked for seconds!

Many students had never tasted tofu before and data shows that nearly fifty percent of kids are reluctant when it comes to trying new foods.  Food Adventures creates an environment which challenges and inspires students to try a food combination which is likely foreign to them.  It is astonishing that students who are so often opposed to leaving their comfort zone will taste a new food because they have had a hand in preparing it.  The Nutrition Center would like to send a special thanks to The Berkshire Co-op Market for providing the ingredients necessary to prepare the snack, as well as for providing a reusable lunch bag and apple for each student.

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