What We Learned this School Year

Since January, 300 children from Union Pleasant Elementary School, Hamburg Middle School and Armor Elementary were able to take part in either healthy classroom food tastings or culinary field trips to beHealthy Institute sponsored by Seeds of Living Education. 

LESSONS LEARNED: Children are willing and happy to munch on fresh and crunchy veggie snacks all times of the day.  They like to eat them with many different types of dips -- Organic Hidden Valley Ranch is always a big hit. Freshly prepared white bean dip is also a great dipping option.  It is full of protein and fiber and made just a little bit zippy with a touch of cayenne and cumin.  Guacamole is a nutritious alternative, too.  It is full of that good monounsaturated fat that can help aid in lowering the "bad cholesterol."  Also, garden fresh salsa is an excellent option to make or buy ready prepared.  It has lots of tomatoes, onions, garlic and cilantro with just a hint of lemon juice and cayenne.  All of these dips and many, many more can be served with fresh sliced, diced and julienned veggies.  Children of all ages have proven to us that they will munch and crunch on veggies (including RAW ASPARAGUS!) all times of the day. 

We gratefully acknowledge the generous contribution of the Makers of Hidden Valley Ranch to The Giving Garden and Seeds of Living Education this year.  Their support has made it possible to help  our school community garden continue to grow and flourish and to sponsor all of the healthy veggie and food classroom tastings.