Some children haven't a clue as to where fruits, vegetables and nuts come from before they hit the table. For the last several years, the dietitian at our school has presented programs about a wide variety of foods. Three to four times per year, he offers a two day presentation based on a specific food such as citrus fruits. Teachers sign up their classes to visit exhibits and tastings.

A recent Taste'N'See featured potatoes. There were at least a dozen varieties of potatoes such as Yukon Gold, Purple Majesty, Red Bliss and Russet. Potatoes can be oval, rounded or finger-shaped and come in different colors. Our visually impaired students were allowed to touch the potatoes and taste them in different preparations along with our hearing impaired students. Presentation content is changed so it is appropriate for all levels of comprehension. Educating children about various foods and giving them the opportunity to taste is important for encouraging healthy eating habits. Unless they are taught or live on a farm, children do not automatically know that chocolate milk does not come from brown cows or brown eggs from brown chickens.

Older students can understand the need for fiber, vitamins and minerals. While potatoes are high in Vitamins A and D, magnesium and potassium, it is the high fat content of butter, cheese, bacon and other toppings that heap on the calories. The students learn basic facts about foods. Did you know that there are 5,000 different varieties of potatoes and that potatoes were brought to North America from South America by early explorers in the 1600s? Our students do!

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