Students in Amanda Taylor’s Virginia Preschool Initiative class at Jeter-Waton Elementary School explore healthy foods through Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure, a hands-on program that encourages children to look at, smell, touch, and taste a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods.
AHPS Preschoolers Get a Taste of Healthy Eating
LOW MOOR — Preschool students in Alleghany Highlands Public Schools are getting a chance to learn about healthy foods in a hands-on way through Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure.
The program introduces young children to a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. Students can look at, smell, touch, and taste foods as they learn about making healthy choices.
The goal is to help children become comfortable with new foods and give them positive experiences with healthy eating.
“We want children to have positive experiences with food and feel comfortable trying something new,” said Debra Buckner, supervisor of Food Services for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. “It’s not about whether they like every food they taste. It’s about allowing them to experience different foods.”
Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure is an early childhood nutrition program that uses simple activities and food tastings to help children learn about healthy eating. Children are encouraged to explore and experience new foods in a positive, pressure-free environment, without expectations that they must eat or like everything they try.
The Dr. Yum program has been reviewed by the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools School Health Advisory Board, a group that includes community and student members.
The program also connects with what students are learning in the classroom. They can talk about the colors, smells, tastes, and textures of different foods while learning where food comes from. The program, then, helps students practice vocabulary important for reading and writing.
Cynthia Morgan, director of Instruction for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, said the program gives students another way to learn.
“Food is something children experience every day, so it gives teachers a familiar way to help students learn,” Morgan said. “These activities allow students to ask questions, explore and learn through direct experiences.”
Providing healthy food at school is another part of the school division’s focus on student well-being.
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools provides breakfast and lunch at no charge to students each school day through the federal Community Eligibility Provision. Through the program, every student is eligible for free school meals, regardless of family income.
“Our food service program is about making sure students have access to nutritious meals during the school day,” Buckner said. “The Community Eligibility Provision allows us to provide meals to all of our students, and we are pleased that every child can participate.”
Buckner said the support of teachers, staff, and families also plays an important role. Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure allows preschool students to learn about food and nutrition while developing healthy habits that can continue at home and at school.
“We’re thankful for the teachers, staff, and families who help us teach children about healthy habits and good food choices,” Buckner said. “When we all work together, we can give our students a strong foundation for making healthy choices.”
Here are some of the healthy foods preschoolers in Alleghany Highlands Public Schools are learning about through Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure. (AHPS Photo)