Working in public schools where at least half of the students are food stamp recipients, Food $ense CHANGE, a King County Extension program, teaches students how to make healthier food choices, how to grow food, how to prepare healthy snacks and meals, and encourages them to remain physically active. Students also learn where their food comes from and make connections between what they eat, their health, and the environment. The curriculum is currently offered at Madrona and Shorewood Elementary Schools.

A popular feature of the program is Market Night, like the one recently held at Shorewood Elementary, which combines math activities with nutrition.

The program also teaches parents to prepare nutritious meals from items available at the food banks. There is also a Summer Food Academy, which features a week-long camp focusing on havesting fresh vegetables and using them to cook breakfast and lunch.

For more information, visit their website at:  http://king.wsu.edu/nutrition/change.htm