Perea Preschool in Memphis, Tennessee, is setting a fantastic example of how to teach kids about healthy eating by blending fruits, vegetables, and a whole lot of fun. Many of the little ones at Perea come from low-income families where, as noted by Atlantic Monthly, “Parents are faced with tough choices between a $1 head of lettuce and five boxes of macaroni and cheese.” For some of these kids, Perea Preschool is their only chance to discover the wonders of fresh produce.
As any parent of a preschooler knows, persuading them to step outside their culinary comfort zone is no easy feat. Just last week, I found myself in an embarrassing battle of wills with my 7-year-old, who would rather face a mountain of homework than take a bite of asparagus—all while demanding dessert! My 9-year-old’s dramatic gagging at the thought of trying something new is enough to make me rethink my dinner strategies.
Fortunately, the patient and inventive educators at Perea Preschool are tackling this challenge head-on, and their methods seem to be paying off. Funded by a local healthcare organization, nutrition is woven into the very fabric of their curriculum, emphasizing the connection between nutrition and early brain development. To entice kids to try those veggies that my own little ones wrinkle their noses at, Perea integrates food into playtime activities.
As Vicki Sallis Murrell, a professor of counseling and educational psychology, puts it, “Play is the best way to influence behavior and teach lessons about health in early years.” Instead of simply placing a scoop of food on a plate, Perea offers an engaging introduction. For instance, during a pumpkin-themed activity, children get to see a raw pumpkin before it’s transformed into pie. They’re encouraged to touch, feel, and even taste the raw pumpkin, satisfying their natural curiosity.
Now, some might wonder, “How healthy is pie, really?” Well, it’s all about perspective. The goal here is to help kids see food as a process, something that comes from the earth, rather than a mysterious item that appears in a can or package. When children get hands-on experience with fruits and veggies, they’re much more likely to try them.
As a parent, I wish more schools would adopt this innovative approach. My wife, who works in education, is currently developing a garden program that mirrors this idea of combining nutrition, learning, and a hands-on experience. Although it’s aimed at junior high students, the plan is for kids to grow fruits and veggies in the school garden and greenhouse. They’ll learn about the nutritional benefits of their crops and the entire journey from garden to plate. At the end of the school year, they’ll even deliver their harvest to the cafeteria for lunch. It’s all about helping kids understand where their food comes from and fostering healthier eating habits.
It’s clear there are various ways schools can tackle nutrition education. Sadly, many American children today are increasingly disconnected from food production and the healthy choices that come with it. Growing up, I was lucky to have my grandfather’s farm and a big garden right next door. Pulling food from the ground and bringing it into the kitchen was just part of life. Nowadays, kids don’t get to experience that, leading to a significant gap in their understanding of nutrition.
These educational programs are especially crucial in impoverished areas and food deserts, where access to fresh produce is often limited. The hope is to empower children with the knowledge to improve their eating habits and thrive. I think I speak for many parents when I say we’d love to see more schools embrace the Perea Preschool model.
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In summary, Perea Preschool stands out for its innovative approach to nutrition education, blending play with hands-on experiences to encourage kids to explore and enjoy healthy foods. More schools should consider adopting similar strategies to bridge the gap between children and food production, ultimately helping them make healthier choices.