Success StoryStudents with Disabilities become Food Explorers



Students with Disabilities become Food Explorers

Author: Cabrina Buckman

Planning Unit: Washington County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Plan of Work: Support Wellness of Washington County Citizens and Community

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Washington County Director of Special Education reached out to the Washington County Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent to request programming for students with disabilities in schools.  This population of students at North Washington Elementary School have autism and it was determined that students could benefit from expanding their food choices to attain a variety of nutrients in their diets.  The FCS Agent and Nutrition Education Program Assistant started the Food Explorers program to explore new foods with special attention to sensory experiences. As Food Explorers, we focus on one food each session with the aim to taste, smell, feel, see, and listen when applicable.  For example, we explored two varieties of oranges in different forms (halved, peeled, sectioned for tasting, and whole) and orange juice.  Teachers have been excited to see the students engage with the foods and have reported expanded choices, like pineapple juice at lunch.  The Food Explorers program will continue into the upcoming school year.






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