My students need 14 copies of "Eat Fresh Food: Awesome Recipes for Teen Chefs" to start a book club, and also a blender to make healthful smoothies during lunch hour.
Getting teens to make healthy food choices is important in a society where fast food and quick meals is common. For our book group, we'll use a cookbook that promotes healthy eating for teens. We'll meet during lunch, sample recipes, and use a blender to make delicious strawberry mango smoothies.
My students live in a rural area in Michigan.
We are a high poverty school district with 73 percent of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch. All students in grades K-6 receive free breakfast and hot lunch due to a federal grant because more than half the population expressed need for federal assistance; however, the grant does not extend to my high school students. We have had major economic setbacks in our local community and state. Despite the challenges, however, we teachers continue to support our students and to educate them to the best of our ability. In fact, our high school ranked fourth in the Upper Peninsula for our students' "College Readiness" based on ACT scores! Our students have a strong sense of fortitude and they love to see support from our community as well as from caring donors like you.
My Project
My students and I are requesting 14 copies of "Eat Fresh Food: Awesome Recipes for Teen Chefs" so that we can do a book study and try out the recipes. Covering the whole day, from breakfast smoothies through lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts, all the recipes are based on fresh, unprocessed ingredients. Students can get ideas for bag lunches and mid-day snacks. This is a just-for-teens guide to experiences the joys of cooking (and eating!) fresh food. The cookbook contains more than 80 recipes for teens to make with their friends. The recipes are fun, easy, and healthful.
In addition, we are requesting a nice quality blender. The secret to really great smoothies is all in the blender! Fruit smoothies are easy to put together and a great source of daily nutrients. Students can use whatever fruit is available, and just add milk, yogurt and ice cubes. It's that simple! A blender will allow my students to be creative in their recipes while avoiding the sugary trap of sodas.
FEED USA is providing 50 percent matching funds for teachers who are improving food education in schools.
When I recently asked my sophomores what kinds of projects they would like to do, they suggested a book study. What a great way to combine a love of reading with a love of cooking. I'd like to help my students develop lifelong reading habits and lifelong healthy eating habits. This project is a step in the right direction!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Hollands and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
