Contact: Ruth Corcoran
(570) 472-0365
Each month, the Commissioner, a master of mystery, investigates and introduces students to a new fruit, vegetable or other food item that is then incorporated into monthly menus, special promotions, games and educational programs for the classroom. Students learn all about the featured item through trivia and word games, food samplings and more.
The Metz team has found that students are really fascinated with new large cardboard cutouts of the Commissioner – a fit looking furry bear dressed in blue jeans, a tee shirt and sneakers, complete with Sherlock Holmes hat and cape and a magnifying glass – that greet them as they enter their dining area.“We’ve found that young students could really identify with this cute bear,” said Toby Horner, Metz & Associates divisional vice president of School Services. “What’s most exciting is that students are not only eating healthier in school because of the Commissioner, but they’re also bringing this knowledge back into their homes. He’s helping to spur discussions between students and their parents about the featured food items, making students more open to trying new food items at home.”
The Commissioner’s new look was introduced just in time to educate students on the health benefits of dairy and the importance of good nutrition through the 3-A-Day of Dairy promotion. Dietitians and doctors agree that milk, cheese and yogurt can help build stronger bones and healthy bodies, and that we should eat at least three servings of dairy products each day.Metz & Associates’ Wellness Coordinator, Michelle Marker, was on hand in several of the schools served by the dining management company to stress the importance of getting enough calcium. “I asked students if they drink enough milk and explained that if we do not get enough calcium each day our bodies will take calcium from our bones,” Marker said. “If students were drinking milk each day, I explained that by getting enough calcium and exercise daily, they are building strong bones for life.”
Marker also discussed with children the importance of eating a good breakfast, healthy lunch choices and the importance of washing their hands to stop the spread of germs. “I introduced the new cardboard cutout of Commissioner Nutrition and explained how they could see him every day in the dining area,” Marker said. “I told them that this month he would be teaching them all they needed to know about 3-A-Day Dairy through special recipes, games, word puzzles and more.”Students at Westmont Elementary School received a special treat, when Metz Culinary Specialist, Chef Douglas Morgan, took part in the 3-A-Day educational session, teaching them to make delicious strawberry banana smoothies. Prepared with low-fat vanilla milk, low-fat vanilla yogurt, bananas and frozen strawberries, the smoothies were sure to help students incorporate more dairy products into their daily diets. After sampling the smoothies, students received recipes to try at home and more information on calcium to share with their parents.
At Manor Elementary School in the Pennsbury School District, registered dietitian Amy Brinton and Metz general manager Steve Kline taught a lesson on the importance of 3-A-Day. At the end of the lesson, the children sampled “purple cow” smoothies, made with low-fat milk, low-fat vanilla yogurt, grape juice and bananas.Marker feels that in addition to having an opportunity to sample recipes, such as the smoothies, children also respond well to utilizing characters, such as Commissioner Nutrition, to introduce different food items. In the past, she has utilized a cow costume to get children interested in the importance of milk and a Bobby Banana costume on loan from Dole to teach about the nutritional value of bananas. She finds that older students respond well to nutritional education when they can learn through contests, such as having them design a healthy eating poster or a healthy lunch menu. Older students have found nutrition education can be fun with a special “Fear Factor” game, which included blind sampling of green fruits and vegetables.
“I believe all children want to eat healthy, but they may not know how” Marker said. “When I do a nutrition lesson for a class and then visit the cafeteria, the children are eager to show me the healthy items they have chosen to eat and that they are drinking their milk. I have also received great feedback from parents who like the fact that their child is learning about healthy eating.”“Education is key to healthier eating and it is important to lay a good foundation early,” Horner added. “With the right guidance and nutrition education, children will learn to choose healthier foods throughout their entire lifetime.”
With childhood nutrition such a hot topic of late, Horner finds educators eager to incorporate the Commissioner Nutrition educational materials in their classrooms. “Teachers are utilizing these materials more than ever as they realize the importance of early nutrition education to a healthier lifestyle.”Students can look forward to learning much more from Commissioner Nutrition, including upcoming breakfast promotions that are sure to generate excitement as kids learn how important it is to start their day with a healthy breakfast.
Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management services to clients such as hospitals, nursing homes, school districts, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.