In April 2013 the Preschool Produce Program began at Floyd Elementary School. Along with five weekly bags of fresh, local produce, Mrs. Karen Via’s preschool class received weekly nutrition lessons. The children grew salad gardens and participated in tastings of vegetables and fruits. Since the class was repeatedly exposed to some of the same vegetables each week, the children began to eat items they never would have before. For example, many of the children assumed that bell peppers were hot and therefore refused to try them. After multiple tastings of bell peppers many of them began to realize how sweet and delicious they are! In addition, the preschool families were invited to a kick off dinner in which they created yummy soups together using fresh, local produce. Parents and grandparents were given cooking supplies as door prizes. At the end of May, families were also invited to a culminating celebration in which the children helped make a vegetable dip and again enjoyed fresh tastings of vegetables.

This is the second Floyd County preschool class to benefit from the Preschool Produce Program. Last fall, Mrs. Kara Neal’s class based at Willis Elementary piloted the program. After parents reported that their children were more willing to try new foods and eat more fruits and vegetables, private donors funded spring produce shares for these families.