November 2016 Photo Moment of the Month

Learning and tasting the 6 plant parts.

Healthy Eating is FUN in our Blooming Classroom! We always taste fruits and vegetables in our garden programs, and many teachers and parents are surprised at how the children react. In the fun and dynamic context of garden program, where they get to see healthy foods growing and pick some of them fresh, kids love beets, kale, chard, broccoli and other foods that many parents are used to seeing them reject. The secret: it has to be interesting and FUN!

Of the 452 Pajaro Valley elementary school kids tasting foods at our Blooming Classroom educational garden in Watsonville over the last school year, 48% were trying something for the first time, and 58% LOVED what they tried, with another 10% liking it. That newfound taste spills over into what they choose at the school cafeteria and ask for at home. Lifelong healthy eating habits start here.