Bucyrus students learning about produce

0

What do jicama, quince and ugli fruit all have in common? The likely answer would be they’re all produce, which is correct. However, these three foods are part of the Bucyrus Food Service department’s “A-Z Produce” program at the Bucyrus Elementary and Secondary Schools.

The program, which started the week of Oct. 19, features a different letter of the alphabet and the corresponding produce item that goes with that letter. The program will last 26 weeks and conclude the week of April 26.

“The overall goal of this new program is to introduce students to different types of produce available to them at their grocery store,” Food Services Director Lorie Pennington said. “We want students to make healthy eating choices, and this program is one way to introduce students to that idea.”

The program encourages healthy eating habits by allowing students to sample the produce item featured during the particular week. So far, Bucyrus Elementary students have had the opportunity to learn about apples, avocados and artichoke (A), bananas and broccoli (B), carrots and cantaloupe (C) and dates (D). The rest of November will feature eggplant (E), fennel (F) and grapes (G).

“We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Pennington working diligently to encourage our students to start making healthy eating decisions,” Superintendent Kevin Kimmel said. “She and her staff work hard to make sure our school lunch choices are not only healthy, but that the students truly enjoy the foods their eating everyday.”

Bucyrus Secondary School students will have the opportunity to try different produce during the district’s annual Wellness Day. The students will be able to select different foods from the A-to-Z Salad Bar during the day. To learn more about the Produce A-Z program and the Wellness Day A-to-Z Salad Bar, contact Lorie Pennington at 419-562-5355.

Staff report

No posts to display