The problem- Plaid Elephant Bookstore is a children's book store that also offers educational programming, arts enrichment activities, and community development opportunities for children and families. The FCS Agent was asked to partner to help provide educational programming for youth and parents to participate in together.

The educational program response- The FCS Agent provided educational activities for youth and parents on nutrition, food safety, and fun. Together we unleashed creativity with food on our charcuterie boards. We had two classes, one on hot chocolate boards which were not as healthy but discussed food safety and introduced new foods such as freeze dried strawberries. The other class was on fruits and vegetables, myplate, and making healthy snack choices. All participants created their own "charcuterie" boards with the foods provided in their kits. Several items in the kits were new to some of the participants who were excited to try them for the most part. Parents and kids enjoyed making and learning about healthy snacks together while designing their colorful plates.

The participants/target audience- Target audience was parents/guardians and children of all ages. Mostly preschool age youth and their families which sometimes included older siblings and/or grandparents.

Other partners (if applicable)- Kate Snyder of Plaid Elephant Books

Program impact or participant response.- Parents appreciated a free, hands on activity that they could do with their kids. They enjoyed learning about the usual healthy snacks but also new items such as freeze dried strawberries. Kids enjoyed playing with their food and choosing which fruits and vegetables they liked best as well as trying a few new ones to add to their list. "I like strawberries like this!!" -3 year old girl "I'm glad to know about freeze dried strawberries. They're easy to carry with me."- Mother of 3 year old girl. "These are very good!"- Grandmother of the 3 year old girl.