Food for Thought-Nutrition for All

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     This is a program in our district that is in every school to educate students on the farm to table concepts. Our school embraces these lessons and welcomes them into each grade level. The students from Kindergarten through Sixth Grade learn about plant parts, food groups, physical activity, nutrition education, healthy choices, field trips to farms, and hands-on gardening using the scientific method. These lessons are taught by professionals and experts in the field.

     Our executive director, Lori Hamor, is the ambassador of the program. She is the organizer and makes sure all students receive the California Academic Standards with these health and fitness concepts. We have farmers give samples of their harvest to our school and the students really enjoy these delicious taste treats!

     In the primary grades students have garden beds in the garden and learn parts of plants, food groups, and making healthy choices. These students are also involved in physical activities.

     The fourth grade enjoys field trips to local farms and learns the joys and work involved in  growing food. In fifth grade students conduct experiments with different growing conditions. They record data and learn with hands-on gardening.

     Teachers, Students, Staff, Parents, and Administration fully support this program, and with this foundation it is consistent and successful.

     We celebrated this cornerstone, Health and Fitness, with an assembly. We developed a motto, "It takes a Village to Pay It Forward". This was true with this cornerstone, many people were involved in designing the curriculum, and offering their services to help teach the concepts.

     With this philosophy, each student received knowledge that is valuable in our valley. We have many farmers and families who grow the food we eat.