Students at my school come from literacy impoverished backgrounds. We are a high-poverty, Title I school. 35% of our students receive English language learner support. In addition, 95% of the student population qualifies for free or reduced rate lunch. For that reason, we also offer breakfast and a fresh fruit or vegetable snack to every student. I have worked as the Homeless Mentor at my school helping students who experience home insecurity. Students who lack a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence experience stress and delays that hamper academic success and are more likely to do poorly in math, reading, and spelling.
Food is low on the list of priorities for parents when coping with the reality of being homeless and living in a temporary accommodation.
My Project
I have seen students bring school snacks from the minimart. There is a reliance on takeaway food that is high in fat or sugar. Homeless students will learn how to prepare a healthier, cost-effective option for their snack using the kitchen utensils. In addition, hands-on food preparation teaches students responsibility (contribute and clean up), cooking terminology (julienne, dice, strain, pack, level), and hygiene practice (washing hands prior to working with food). Students demonstrate fraction proficiency while reading the recipe and measuring ingredients using the requested measuring cups and spoons. They learn terminology while practicing safe knife handling. They develop organizational and sequencing skills by following a recipe.
My hope is that as students learn how to prepare foods, they will reduce stress, build relationships, and gain confidence while learning how to make healthy food and snack choices.
Children can explore new foods, learn about nutrition, and develop math and reading skills as they measure and read directions while cooking. I would like to incorporate some of the leftover fruit and vegetable snacks in recipes- make cream of cauliflower soup with leftover cauliflower or a slaw with jicama, carrots, and radishes.
In past years, my students have made Chex mix, deviled eggs, applesauce, and ants on the log using my kitchen supplies. The boys and girls enjoy measuring and mixing and then eating what they have prepared. Many of the children save part of what they have made to take home and share with their family. I hope my students will encourage their families to sometimes prepare healthier snacks.
Stainless Steel Colanders Set of 3-1 Quart, 2.5 Quart & 4 Quart - Rust Proof, Straining Pasta & Rinsing Vegetables by Kÿchen
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
Anchor Hocking 2 Quart Glass Batter Bowl With Lid (81106L11)
• Amazon Business
$21.47
1
$21.47
Kitchen Dish Towels with Vintage Design for Kitchen Decor Super Absorbent 100% Natural Cotton Kitchen Towels (Size: 25.5 x 15.5 inches) White with Red, Green and Blue, 13-Pack
• Amazon Business
$18.99
1
$18.99
Ziploc Storage Bags, Gallon, Mega Pack, 150 ct (2 Pack, 75 ct)
• Amazon Business
$15.78
1
$15.78
Pyrex Prepware 1 Cup Measuring Cup with Red Graphics (Pack of 2)
• Amazon Business
$15.19
1
$15.19
Vollrath Economy Mixing Bowl Set (1-1/2, 3 & 5-Quart, Stainless Steel)
• Amazon Business
$14.97
1
$14.97
Kitchen Wooden Spoons Mixing Baking Serving Utensils Puppets 12 inch - Set of 12 ROUNDSQUARE
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set (3-Piece)
• Amazon Business
$12.49
1
$12.49
PaperChef Natural Release Coated Non-Stick Culinary Parchment Paper, (1) 205 sq ft roll (15 in x 164 ft)
• Amazon Business
$11.79
1
$11.79
New Star Foodservice 42917 Stainless Steel 4pcs Measuring Cups and Spoons Combo Set
• Amazon Business
$9.95
1
$9.95
KitchenAid Classic Whisk, Utility Black
• Amazon Business
$8.66
1
$8.66
Silicone Spatula Set - 3 Piece Heat-Resistant Baking Spatulas - Professional Stir Fry Spatula - Easy to Clean - Dishwasher Safe - Pro-Grade Non-Stick Silicone Rubber Spatula Blue
• Amazon Business
$6.96
1
$6.96
Rubbermaid Commercial FG193800WHT Spoon-Shaped Spatula, 16.5-inch, White
• Amazon Business
$4.84
1
$4.84
Materials cost
$228.54
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.43
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$261.97
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$46.23
Total project goal
$308.20
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$308.20
2 Donors
-$154.09
Donations toward project cost
-$130.98
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$23.11
match offer
-$154.11
Match offer toward project cost
-$130.99
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Post and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.