Typically, May would be a month full of cafeteria taste tests, and I would be sharing an adorable quote by a second grader about how they “have a crush on collard greens” (this is an actual quote from a second grader from a taste test at Eastway Elementary.)
But alas, schools are closed, remote work has become the norm, and many of us who work in the community and nutrition education space have been trying to figure out how best to engage with and support kids and families during this time of social distancing.
“Necessity is the mother of invention”
You’ve probably heard a lot about “silver-linings” lately. Well, one that’s pretty incredible is how quickly organizations have joined forces to create solutions to help people through the crisis. I’m happy to report that one such collaboration is EAT (Educational Activities Together).
EAT is an effort to help families make the most of their time at home by learning and growing together. It’s a joint effort of Farmer Foodshare, DINE (Durham’s Innovative Nutrition Education Program), Durham County Department of Public Health, Inter-faith Food Shuttle, FoodCorps, DPS Hub Farm, and Durham County Cooperative Extension.
In each weekly installment of EAT, Triangle families receive a mix of engaging educational activities, inviting them to get hands-on with nature, food, and physical activity -- together.
Currently, EAT is being distributed via Durham Public School teachers and schools (including early childcare centers) and is sent to families digitally. Inter-faith Food Shuttle will be distributing paper copies at many of their distribution sites as well!
As a part of EAT, we also are launching a Seed-to-Family initiative to provide families with everything they need to get growing at home. Our first distribution is a micro-green seed kit that will go out the week of May 18!
Want to participate too? All of the activities and resources are posted online at EATNC.org. Check it out, sign up to receive EAT weekly, and please share!
Eventually, we’ll be on the other side of this pandemic. I’m heartened that when that day comes, the partnerships we’re forging out of necessity now will continue to grow.
-- Braedyn Mallard RDN, LDN, Program Manager