About Promising Practices

Submit your Promising Practice to tell us how you’re implementing PA Harvest of the Month in your school, child care center, or summer feeding program. We may publish your story on our website or in our e-newsletter.

Hint: Click on promising practice title to expand and view description.

PA Harvest of the Month - Promising Practices

  • Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Combines Bingo and Smoothie Making to Teach Students About Winter Squash

    Contact Information

    Contact Person: David Lloyd
    Contact Person’s Title: Youth Programs Manager
    Email: dlloyd@centralpafoodbank.org
    Contact Person’s Phone Number: (717) 916-3318
    LEA Name: Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

    Where Promising Practice was Implemented

    Implemented at a school.

    Objectives

    Winter Squash was the Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month vegetable for the month of December. The staff at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank wanted to educate CACFP sites about the different varieties of Winter Squash, and introduce them to a recipe that the students would like to eat.

    Description

    The information session opened with the staff introducing the students to the different varieties of Winter Squash. Using a game as a memory aid, "Squash Bingo" was played with the children. Prizes were awarded for each winner. After playing the game, everyone was involved in making a "Butternut Squash Dessert Smoothie." The smoothie was a hit with the children.

    Advice

    Keep the activity structured:

    1. 1. Begin with a brief lesson on the different types of Winter Squash.
    2. 2. Play the "Squash Bingo" game.
    3. 3. End the lesson with making the smoothie.

    With the lesson limited to around 45 minutes, the children's attention is held throughout.

    Signs of Success

    The students told the staff they enjoyed the "Squash Bingo Game" and liked the "Butternut Squash Dessert Smoothie."

     
  • Introducing Parents and Students to the PA Harvest of the Month Program at the Avonworth School District

    Contact Information

    Contact Person: Melissa Schad
    Contact Person’s Title: Food Service Director
    Email: mschad@avonworth.k12.pa.us
    Contact Person’s Phone Number: (412) 366-6360
    LEA Name: Avonworth School District

    Where Promising Practice was Implemented

    Implemented at a school.

    Objectives

    Increase student/parent awareness of the Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month program.

    Description

    Several methods were used to encourage students (and parents) to recognize and learn about the Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month program's calendar items. These methods included posting educational signs, recipes, and information in the cafeteria and on the serving lines as well as on the menu, in social media posts, and on the Avonworth School District website.

    Advice

    Getting the cafeteria staff to buy in to the program can be really beneficial. They can provide a wealth of ideas in supporting your goals. They love to "chit chat" with the students and can really promote your program and spread the word!

    Signs of Success

    Melissa and her staff received positive feedback from students, teachers and parents who shared additional fun facts about the items, complimented some of the recipes that were used, and praised the efforts of the cafeteria staff to take on a new project during the COVID-19 turbulent school year.

    Click on a Photo to See a Larger View with Caption

     

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