Slow Food in Schools

By Cathe Olson
Issue 133, November - December 2005

What kind of a food education are children getting these days? In many families, both parents work and there is little time to prepare meals. With Americans' growing reliance on fast and processed foods, few kids get the chance to participate in the growing of food or the preparation of wholesome meals. Wouldn't it be great if schools could give our children practical instruction in growing and preparing food, as well as good nutrition?

Slow Food USA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving North American food traditions and promoting a sustainable food supply. It recently began a nationwide Slow Food in Schools program to introduce children to sound food production and an enjoyment of wholesome meals.

These garden-to-table projects are based on the Edible Schoolyard, which began at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California, about 10 years ago. The school hosts a one-acre organic garden whose study and operation are integrated into the school's academic curriculum and lunch program. The students plant and cultivate the garden, and in the kitchen-classroom they prepare, serve, and eat the food they have grown. These activities are incorporated into almost every subject and are part of the normal school day. More than 20 schools nationwide currently participate in Slow Food in Schools programs.

Why do we need such programs in our schools? Don't schools already offer nutritious lunches for our children?

To read the full article "Slow Food in Schools" get your instantly downloadable digital copy of School Lunches Toolkit. Whether you pack lunches everyday or are concerned about your school's lunch program you will love this collection of six "best of" Mothering articles.