The Western part of the country enjoys warmer temperatures, moderate rain in the winter, and lots of sunshine throughout the year. This makes the west, specifically the southwest, one of the best climates for growing fruits and vegetables like avocados, grapes, and broccoli.

Cheese curds anyone?! The Midwest includes states such as Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas! Known as America’s Dairy land, many dairy foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese, are produced in the Midwest.

Here’s a fact that will “guac” your world: the first avocado tree in the United States was planted in Florida in 1833. Taco Tuesday has never been the same!

December is Spice it Up Month, a celebration of international recipes that are proven to raise the bar of the spice rack!

You can use less salt and still amp up the flavor when preparing savory foods like meats and soups by adding spices or herbs such as garlic powder, oregano, dill and basil.

Ever wonder what the difference is between an herb and a spice? Spices come from the seeds, bark, berry or fruit of a plant and herbs come from the green leaves.

The taller the hat, the more knowledgeable a chef!  There are traditionally 100 creases in a chef hat, one for each way an egg can be cooked.

Cooking is a great way to explore with your senses.  Listen to the whirl of the mixer, pound dough and watch it rise, smell it baking in the oven and finally taste the warm bread.

Many fruits and vegetables are available in fresh, frozen and canned varieties.  Frozen is sometimes more convenient and just as nutritious and fresh. Choosing frozen can be a good way of enjoying fruit or vegetables that are not in season locally.

Did you know that in a garden, some fruits and vegetables start out as flowers? Halloween pumpkins start out as BIG yellow flowers!

October is Seed to Table Month, a celebration of fresh, local, and seasonal foods. Join us in the cafeteria to check out our local produce available in the Fall! 

Some vegetables commonly grown in a garden such as tomatoes, green beans, squash, and cucumbers are technically considered a fruit because they have seeds.  They don’t have a sweet taste like other fruit but are indeed a fruit. 

Food Is Fuel! The way a car needs gas or electricity to run our bodies need fuel to perform. Eating healthy fuel from fruit, vegetables and whole grains will help you to stay fit physically and mentally. 

Don’t skip those healthy snacks! We all need carbohydrates throughout the day and both before and after an activity to maintain and replenish energy stored in your muscles called glycogen. Try a fresh fruit or vegetable with Sunbutter to help you maintain energy during all your activities. 

Add some flavor to your hydration! Try adding delicious cucumber and mint or strawberry and basil infused Water next time you're feeling thirsty! 

Try to choose at least 2-3 different foods to create a balanced breakfast, such as whole grain toast, a hardboiled egg, and an apple to give you enough fuel to power through your morning.

School breakfast is tasty and packed with essential nutrients. Students who eat school breakfast are more likely to consume enough calcium, fiber and potassium than those who don’t.

A delicious way to sweeten cereal or oatmeal is by adding fruit, like berries or bananas. Bananas are the most popular fruit and about 40% of them are eaten with breakfast.