WINTERSVILLE — Indian Creek Local Schools is buzzing with exciting food programs this year, led by food service director Nicole Marshall. The focus is on nutritious eating and community activities.
This month, a new initiative kicks off with a $45,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This grant, managed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, aims to introduce healthy foods to elementary students. It will benefit kids in PreK-4 at Hills and Cross Creek Elementary, helping them explore new fruits and vegetables.
Starting with pears and avocados, students will taste these foods twice a week in their classrooms, where they’ll also engage in learning activities. “The Fourth-Grade Student Council will help by distributing the foods to different classes,” Marshall explained. Teachers will show students what they’re eating and discuss why it’s good for them. They’ll even get to enjoy fun activities like coloring and watching videos. It’s a great chance for kids to try new things.
The variety is impressive, including items like Daikon radish coins and candy cane beets. There will also be a share table for students who want to sample what others are trying. Over 280 schools in Ohio received funding for this program, and Marshall hopes to expand it to include fifth and sixth graders in the future.
“We’re involved in many school programs, and this was the last one we didn’t participate in. Adding a learning component makes it even more engaging,” she added.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides free snacks during the school day, showcasing innovative ways to encourage healthy eating habits. Schools must meet specific criteria to qualify, ensuring they support students from low-income families.
In addition to this program, the school is upgrading its food service line at Hills. A new setup was installed on November 5, featuring enhanced capabilities to serve the approximately 440 students and staff. The new service line has four cold and four hot wells, allowing for more food variety. Marshall noted, “This line is more accommodating for the staff and helps us prepare for events like Friendsgiving.”
Before the holiday break, Hills, Cross Creek, and Indian Creek Middle and High schools celebrated with a turkey feast, creating a warm community spirit.
With these new initiatives, Indian Creek is not just about food; it’s about building healthy habits and a sense of community among students. As schools focus more on nutrition and well-being, programs like these play a crucial role in shaping our children’s futures.
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Local News,Food, funding and friendsgiving at Indian Creek schoolsNews,Food, funding and friendsgiving at Indian Creek schools
