Partners: Growing Healthy Waves, FoodCorps

Students impacted: 1,955
Volunteers: 15
Partnership duration: 3 Years

The Tupelo Public School District launched Growing Healthy Waves in 2014 with the goal of changing the taste palates of students to make them become more confident and comfortable eating fresh, nutrient-rich foods, specifically fruits and vegetables. GHW coordinators took steps to become a certified FoodCorps service site, and GHW initially partnered with FoodCorps to implement the program in a pre-K school and two K-2nd grade schools. In three years, the program has been expanded into all K-2nd grade schools, a 3rd-5th grade school and a 6th grade school. With trowels, plant starts, pots, pans, and enthusiasm, GHW volunteers and FoodCorps service members involve kids in gardening, trying and developing new recipes, and cooking with the goal of connecting them to locally sourced, nutrient-rich foods. 

Activities:

• Plant Parts Party
• Cooking lessons in classrooms
• Student-maintained gardens and onsite greenhouse
• Fruitmon/Veggiemon, Go!
• Cafeteria taste tests allow students to try new foods 

Impacts:

• Secured $16,000 in grants to expand program
• Expanded community partners
• Approx.76% of students had positive change in eating habits