"You're the cow lady!"
This was how I was greeted by a kindergartener at William Byrne Elementary when I recently paid a visit to their in-school breakfast. But this wasn't the only greeting I received that morning.
I was also greeted by farm pictures the kids had colored welcoming me to their school. The cafeteria walls were coated in these colorful works of art which hung along side posters sharing the importance and freshness of milk. But that's not all...
Students also created their own smoothie flavors! There were many great flavor combinations, but I think this one was my favorite. Perhaps it was the name that won me over.
I was invited to William Byrne to visit with the students at their in-school breakfast. William Byrne participates in the Fuel Up To Play 60 program. Fuel Up To Play 60 is a program funded by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League in
collaboration with USDA, that empowers students to take charge in
making small, everyday changes at school. Students are encouraged to
change the way they look at food and nutrition, and change their
attitudes about physical education.
As a dairy farmer, and a mom, it made me smile to see the healthy dairy filled breakfast the kids received. Milk, cheese sticks, yogurt, and fruit smoothies all gave these students a super start to their daily Dairy 3 For Me.
Thank you to the students of William Byrne for the invitation to visit your breakfast. Thanks also to Miss Tracy and the staff for getting your kiddos so enthused about meeting a farmer and learning where their food comes from. Lastly, I would like to thank the kitchen staff for the great job they do of incorporating healthy dairy foods in all the meals served.
If you are a farmer, I encourage you to visit schools in your area. You will be amazed at the excitement you generate! Kids want to know you, and the story behind the dairy foods we produce.
If you are not a farmer, I encourage you to contact a farmer- invite a farmer to your school or event and ask questions. We LOVE to share our story!
Such excitement is generated whenever Janet comes to visit any of our schools. The students embrace her, truly listen to her and for months to come they still talk about the visits and the importance of dairy foods. Parents, teachers and Lunch Ladies can talk and talk and talk(which is important too) but having a farmer visit really drives it and makes a true and everlasting impact.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words! I love visiting schools and sharing my life as a farmer. I appreciate the students (an staffs)interest in knowing where their food comes from.
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