The Director of the Aftercare Program at Justice Elementary contacted the Extension Office about programing from the LEAP program to introduce a variety of fruits and vegetables to the students. As we discussed the dates and times, it was set in stone that we would provide educational materials to teach not just the students but the parents and caregivers also. 

The LEAP program and the MYPLATE was introduced to the group beginning with the fruit group. As the students were asked about their favorite fruit they only had concepts of what they received from the school lunch program.

As we taught about fruits from around the world, 12 students out of a class of 21,  were unaware of what a pineapple was, let alone where it came from or how it grew. A fresh pineapple was placed in the middle of the table for all the students to see, the students learned that it is a tropical plant with edible fruit on the inside.

All 21 students  watched as the fruit was sliced open they were surprised that it smelled sweet and couldn’t wait to taste. Every student plus the teacher was given a sample to try and 4 students commented  they never had pineapple before. As they tried it they liked it for the sweetness and wanted another serving. The LEAP Newsletter went home with the students to share with their families on trying new foods.