“We developed a special program for elementary students that featured table displays of each of the five food groups, complete with samples from each group, as well as a tasting of unique fruits and vegetables,” said Michelle Marker, nutrition educator, Metz & Associates, Ltd. “The students really enjoyed the opportunity to further expand on the lessons learned in Mrs. Lizonitz’ classroom.”

760 students in grades 1 though 5 participated in the two-day program, which focused on grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat. They learned that the various groups each provided different nutrients that their bodies needed for good health. Some of the unique items available for sampling, courtesy of Kegels Produce, included jicama, white asparagus, star fruit and avocado. Marker and the Metz team at the school created colorful and inviting table displays representing each food group. As a special incentive to visit the tables, students received a special gift representative of each group when they visited the various tables to learn the health benefits of the group. Some of the give-aways included Commissioner Nutrition tattoos, Cow pencils, fruit & veggie bookmarks, General Mills granola bars & honey wheat pretzels and more.

“The students learned through these visual displays that it’s important to eat a variety of foods and that a balanced diet includes items from each of the five groups,” Marker said. “I think many were surprised that they could get their daily recommended doses of items such as whole grains just by making better selections of their breakfast cereals and daily snacks.”

Jicama was a big hit with many of the students, so much so that it was served in the school cafeteria the following day. The students also learned fun facts about the various food items, such as how white is asparagus is kept white by depriving it of sunlight and harvesting it quickly.

In addition to educating on the important nutritional benefits of each food group, the benefits of exercise were also discussed. The school’s gym teacher, Paul Brown, engaged the students in a lively exercise session with a high-energy fruit and vegetable relay race, which was enjoyed by everyone.

“School administrators and faculty members were all very pleased with the results of this educational program,” Marker said. “More importantly, the students were very eager to take part in all of the activities. It is always a great learning experience when students can take what they learn in the classroom and then expand on that lesson even further through a hands-on experience.”

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, 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.