Kids Around the Table
CV program introduces elementary students to healthy eating habits .
BY PAUL GLASSER
A
program designed to develop students ’ palates , teach table etiquette and develop social skills at Chartiers Valley Intermediate School could expand in the future .
“ The fact that students are coming back for a second , and possibly third , time tells me that we are making a difference ,” says intermediate school principal Patrick Myers .
The program is called Kids Around the Table and more than 100 students between grades 3 and 5 have participated since it began earlier this year . The purpose is to introduce students to a variety of new healthy foods , educate them about serving sizes and food safety , and teach them table manners . About 25 students participate in each two-week session and food is served in a family-style setting . Students are charged according to regular lunch price or are eligible for free or reduced rates .
The menu includes farm-fresh foods and other healthy items , such as a kale Caesar salad with croutons . The Nutrition Group provides food services at the school , and one of the firm ’ s chefs designed the menu and explained each meal to the students . Sarah Zrimsek , regional assistant for The Nutrition Group , says “ volcanic ” meatloaf and homemade mashed potatoes were the most popular items , “ but the barbeque chicken tends to be the all-time favorite .”
Some of the popular foods might be added to the regular lunch menu in the future .
Kara Droney , communications director for the school district , attended a meal with 4th grade students and encouraged one boy to try the salad , which he had been reluctant to eat .
“ We both took our first bite and a smile spread across his face ,” Droney says . “ The next thing I know , he was serving himself a little more and then a little more .”
The Kids Around the Table program has been so popular that Droney hopes the program will be expanded next year .
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