Georgia teachers dig into Farm to School resources with a little help from a chef

 Recently over 150 attendees enjoyed "How Does Your Garden Grow?"  a learning garden workshop that took place at Ford Elementary School in Cobb County, Ga.  Teachers from Cobb County and across the state received hands-on training and resources for starting and growing a school garden, as well as information about Cobb County School District's farm to school efforts.

Registered dietitian Kelley Toon teamed up with a Chefs Move to Schools volunteer Chef Alex Reethof, host for Back to the Table, to present a lesson plan they created to supplement the garden workshop. The Squash Family Lesson Plan focused on an in season and versatile vegetable, butternut squash, that would provide teachers with an easy, fun way to continue nutrition education from the garden to the classroom. The lesson plan used MyPlate.gov messaging for guidelines on reading a nutrition label and food safety tips. Chef Reethof demonstrated the preparation of the Butter Me up Squash Salad recipe to help teachers promote the dish to their students.

The  squash salad was served in the cafeteria during October as part of Cobb County School District's Farm to School program.

Download Butter Me up Squash Salad recipe

Download in Spanish

The demonstration was conducted on a Mobile Kitchen Cart. Twelve Cobb schools received Mobile Kitchen Carts from Atlanta Fixtures and a Captain Planet Foundation grant.  The carts include all the supplies necessary to complete a cooking demonstration in the classroom.  The goal is for guest chefs and Cobb's registered dietitians to complete cooking demonstrations in the classrooms.

Update: On Thursday, October 11, 2012, the USDA recognized Blackwell Elementary and 53 other Cobb County elementary schools for winning the bronze designation as Healthier US School Challenge winners.  USDA Food and Nutrition Administrator Audrey Rowe traveled from Washington DC to present Blackwell Elementary and the Cobb County Food and Nutrition department with the awards on behalf of President Obama.  These schools are among a select group from across the nation to receive the award.  Criteria for the award include high nutrition and physical education standards that contribute to a healthier school environment.

Story submitted by Kelley Toon
Edited for content by Jessica Ward, Chefs Move to Schools website editor
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