Mrs. B signed up for a program offered by University of Massachusetts Extension Nutrition Education Program. As a result, Ms. Carole, a Nutrition Educator, came to the Perkins. She spoke to all the kids about the magic in food and the need to eat right. Protein, grains, vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts, dairy, fruit--these foods that are good for you are called "everyday foods," she told them. Treats are fine too, but in much smaller amounts.
To remind the kids of the foods they should eat most of (and in what proportions or amounts), Ms. Carole gave each student in every grade a picture to color.
All too often drawings and pictures get thrown away, even when they contain important information.
Not this time. Mrs. B made sure that every one of those pictures were laminated. That means it was covered by plastic so it wouldn't bend too easily and would stay clean. In fact, it became the perfect placemat for lunchtime. Now the kids have a daily reminder of the foods that will make them healthy--and, keep them that way.
