SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Getting children to eat vegetables can become a battle of the wills in many households. Sometimes parents hide vegetables in pizza or a smoothie. They play games to encourage a few “try bites” of a radish. In some households, there isn’t an opportunity to reject a new vegetable or fruit because they are not in the home. But the Food Literacy Center is changing that. 

Right before summer break, the Food Literacy Center organized a kids farmers market at John Still Elementary School. The event was the culmination of a 10-week after-school program of cooking and nutrition classes for kinder through sixth-grade students. Community Engagement Manager Gerine “Tangerine” Williams and Sabrina “Soybean” White, cooking class educator and coordinator, organized the event.

The covered patio was bustling with activity as volunteers swiftly opened boxes of seasonal produce. Simple and attractive displays offered strawberries, peaches, onions and beets. Volunteers wore badges with names such as Khale Kevin and Nectarine Nadia. The upbeat, friendly energy was a perfect environment to greet students. 

Williams clarified, “All the food has been purchased with grant funds, and nothing will be left over. No one takes any of the food home but the kids.” She had little time to speak as the first group of students made their way to receive their “money” and bags donated by Nugget Market. As they walked in, volunteers called out, “Hey, friend, I have fresh lettuce for sale!” or, “We have a special two-for-one on garlic today. Would you like to try it?”

Some students were hesitant but quickly exchanged their dollars for the goods offered. This is part of the beauty of the program: The kids are in control and make their own choices.

The event may have been fun, but the goal is serious business. The Food Literacy Center website notes that 25% of kids need to eat more fruits and vegetables. In Sacramento, 40% of kids struggle with obesity. In addition, many families don’t know how to cook. The result can lead to poor food choices, such as regular fast-food dinners instead of a cooked healthy meal. The after-school program changes this dynamic. Classes are designed to immerse kids in how food choices impact health, the environment and the economy. 

Sacramento City Unified School District partnered with the Food Literacy Center in 2021 to bring an on-campus garden and kitchen to Leataata Floyd Elementary School in Upper Land Park. Students plant, care for and harvest from their garden. Then, they learn how to cook healthy meals. 

Williams said, “It was one of the most requested after-school programs last year.” Eighteen schools currently offer the program, and the goal is to have it in all forty Title I Sacramento schools.  

Sabrina White explained, “We bring a new fruit or vegetable every week. Kids try uncommon produce like watermelon radish, daikon or purple cauliflower.” Although most students are enthusiastic, some are hesitant. That’s why positive affirmation is important. White said, “If kids won’t eat something but are willing to hold it in their hands or touch it with their tongue, that’s still a celebration.”

And attitudes shift over the course of the lessons. Williams said, “I’ve seen kids come into class and change their whole idea about vegetables. By the end, they want to be Iron Chefs.”

The Food Literacy Center pays attention to its audience. 58% of Title I students rely on free and reduced-price lunch programs. Recipes are inexpensive, using simple ingredients found in food pantries or the WIC program. When the pandemic occurred, the program provided meal kits available for pickup at the school. Each kit contained dry goods, fresh produce and recipe cards. The project was so popular that funding was secured to continue meal kit distributions when schools reopened.  

During summer break, the Food Literacy Center keeps the momentum going with on-campus kids’ farmers markets. They also have a table at the Oak Park Farmers Market. Staff provides monthly cooking demonstrations from local chefs, along with cooking courses and meal kits. In addition, kids are given $5 to buy produce at the market. 

White explained, “The EBT market match program at Oak Park is the highest match of any farmers market. And it helps both families and local farmers.”

In addition, the Food Literacy Center partners with food banks and local grocers to provide produce for events like the kids farmers market at John Still Elementary.

 As the event wound down, volunteers ensured every bit of bok choy, apricots and onions ended up in student bags. In the end, 58 students left for summer break with a nice passel of fresh produce and new plans for the family dinner. 

To learn more about the Food Literacy Center and how to volunteer or donate, go tofoodliteracycenter.org. It is located in Leataata Floyd Elementary School at 401A McClatchy Way, Sacramento.