Field trip Friday heads to Orchard Drive Elementary

JACKSON, MO. (KBSI)— Students at Orchard Drive Elementary took a colorful approach to nutrition this week as part of Field Trip Friday.

“We’re going to talk about why we eat the things that are good for our bodies and what they do for us,” Schellman explained to an eager classroom. She encouraged students to think about how food fuels their activities, from playing sports to running at recess.

Talking about the importance of variety, Schellman asked students how they could make their plates more colorful with healthy choices. “I would have red bell peppers, grapes, brussels sprouts…” one student responded enthusiastically. When Schellman suggested bananas, the room erupted in cheers.

But this week’s lesson didn’t stop at discussion. Schellman challenged the students to use their creativity, asking them to design their own “rainbow plate” filled with nutritious foods they’d like to try.

“So, while we’re drawing all these things, we should definitely try and eat them, right?” she encouraged. “This weekend, maybe go in your fridge and see if you have any fruits and vegetables. Maybe try something new that you haven’t had before.”

Miranda Wehmeyer, another early nutrition education, talking about the long-term benefits of these lessons. “Early exposure to nutrition education will help create adventurous eaters and healthy habits as they grow,” she said.