Lunch Tray readers may have noticed occasional mentions of “Recipe for Success” on this site, but I’ve never given a full explanation of what this innovative program is all about.
Based in Houston, Recipe for Success is the largest “seed-to-plate” educational program in the country. Founded in 2005 by Gracie Cavnar, the foundation has five core initiatives: (1) identifying and training “Team Nutrition Leaders” at schools to help establish a culture of health on the campus; (2) a program called “Chefs in Schools,” in which prominent local chefs teach 4th graders how to cook foods grown in their own school gardens; (3) designing and building “Recipe Gardens” at local schools, and helping to weave food gardening into the school curriculum; (4) after-school gardening and cooking classes; and (5) gardening and cooking summer camps.
I’ve thought about volunteering for Recipe for Success for a long time, and last week I finally got myself to a volunteer orientation. Starting later this month, I’m going to visit an elementary school on a monthly basis to help chef Monica Pope and other parents teach students how to cook the food grown in their own garden. I can’t wait to talk to the kids and see how this program is affecting their views about food — its origins, their willingness to try new vegetables, their desire to cook at home and more. I’ll report back here on what I learn.
I’ve also asked RFS founder Gracie Cavnar to guest blog on The Lunch Tray about some exciting plans the foundation has for its expansion, so look for that in the coming weeks.
[…] have no problem with programs that work nutrition education into the school curriculum, such as Recipe for Success’s innovative seed-to-plate approach that use math, science and language arts while showing impoverished kids how their food grows and […]