“Lettuce” Eat Healthy

According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.  Obese children are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease with 70% showing at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.  Obesity also increases the risk for diabetes, stroke, cancer, and osteoarthritis.

During the Organ Annie and the Organ Wise Guys series of lessons with a local school system grades Head Start through first grades, the SNAP-Ed Assistant realized that children did not like veggies.  

In order to encourage the children to eat more veggies, the SNAP-Ed Assistant and the Horticulture Agent partnered to bring a lettuce planting program in 13 classrooms.  Over 300 children planted their own flowerpot of lettuce seeds. The seeds were left at school and the children watched the lettuce grow for several weeks.  The lettuce was then sent home and the families were encouraged to use the lettuce in a family meal.  Students also learned the different colors, shapes, and types of vegetables and the importance of eating vegetables for better health and.  According to pre and post evaluations, teachers and parents, 70% of the children were eating more vegetables.