Hunger Task Force Nurturing Healthy Choices At Escuela Vieau Public School Through Nutrition Education Program

Hunger Task Force operates a robust nutrition education program to educate students about healthy eating. During the school year, our Child Nutrition Educator travels to Milwaukee Public Schools to teach nutrition education to low-income kids in their classroom.

To learn just how impactful the program is, we sat down with Ms. Kuchar who teaches 4th grade at Escuela Vieau Public School. For three years, our Child Nutrition Educator has traveled to her classroom to provide instruction.

Q: Why did your school staff sign up to have students receive nutrition education from Hunger Task Force?

A: When I took over the 4th grade position, we were receiving this valuable instruction. I think it’s so important for children to start learning healthy habits at a young age. This knowledge will help them as they get order and grow to be healthier and more independent throughout their lives.

Q: What value does Hunger Task Force nutrition education provide to your students?

A: The nutrition education provides students with knowledge that healthy food can be tasty while also supplying nutrients that will make you feel good! My students have the privilege of learning how to make meals for themselves using ingredients that are nutritious. The students also get the opportunity to examine the value of the everyday foods and drinks they consume. For example, a can of Sprite. Students learn how much sugar is in the beverage by reading the nutrition label. Making real life connections helps students obtain healthy living habits from a young age – including consuming healthy foods and drinks.

Q: What do your students report being their favorite parts of nutrition education from Hunger Task Force?

A: They always love being in the kitchen at the Hunger Task Force Farm. There, they prepare a meal with Hunger Task Force staff and volunteers. It is such a rewarding experience for my students to experience cooking a meal from scratch by working together as a team. They also love seeing the dish and tasting it when it’s ready. I always hear “yum,” “mmmm” and “this tastes so good.” I personally love this experience because it is one the students don’t typically receive. Seeing their reactions is just the best! This will be my third year receiving classroom instruction with the Hunger Task Force and I look forward to continuing to bring the programming into my classroom for years to come!

For more information about learning opportunities or to set up a cooking class, email [email protected].

Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization’s core values are Dignity, Justice, Equity, Compassion and Stewardship. Hunger Task Force feeds people today by providing healthy and culturally appropriate food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force also works to end future hunger by advocating for strong public policies and nutrition programs at the local, state and federal level.