Another Apples4Ed grant winner we’re excited to introduce to you is the Pine Haven Elementary Extended Learning Program. Pine Haven Elementary is a Pre-K-8 grade school in Fentress County, TN. Around 75% of Pine Haven students receive free or reduced lunch. Pine Haven’s Extended Learning Program serves students in grades 1-8 who need extra support in the core subject areas of math and ELA.  The program also provides extension activities in STEM and SEL. With this grant, Pine Haven will expand the program’s nutrition education to allow students to plan and cook nutritious dishes and meals. They plan to incorporate a book cooks program combining literature and nutrition. The book cooks component will have students reading a book that has a link to food, and creating the recipe. For example, Johnny Appleseed would have students create applesauce. They plan to use fresh produce each week to show students how to create tasty dishes using fresh fruits and vegetables. Some ideas they have for our program are:

• Choose fruits and vegetables that are easy to wash, cut, and pack in advance.
• Pre-cut items like carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, and apple wedges can save time.
• Include healthy dips like hummus, yogurt, or peanut butter to make the fruits and vegetables more appealing.
• Create a dipping station where children can dip their favorite fruits or veggies.
• Prepare fruit skewers with a variety of colorful fruits. This adds a fun element and makes it easy for children to grab and go.
• Set up a smoothie station with pre-cut fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and a blender.
• Prepare fruit salads in advance and serve them in individual cups for easy distribution

Other components of the program would have Pine Haven culinary students coming in one day a week to teach the students food safety, nutrition, and recipes they are learning in their culinary class. With this project, they hope to encourage students to bring their new nutrition knowledge home to their parents and siblings!