Published: May 11, 2008 07:11 pm      

Veggies, fruit take the cake; Choctaw wins $10,000 grant

What would you do with $10,000?

Choctaw Elementary School received a check in that amount Friday and will use the money to purchase fresh local produce and encourage healthier eating habits on the part of students.

The school made the check presentation quite an event with a “Veggie Run” and other activities, all focused around vegetables.

The newly formed parent teacher organization attended the event along with what Principal Cheryl Lidia said was a surprising number of dads. The PTO distributed oranges and other fruits.

“It’s wonderful to step out on the playground and see the moms and dads supporting,” Lidia said.

The principal also said students’ reactions when she first informed them that the school would be receiving the grant was surprising.

“I asked them who likes vegetables and they all raised their hands. I was shocked,” Lidia said.

Amy Bourlon, a parent, was the one who made it all possible by discovering the Love Your Veggies Nationwide School Lunch Campaign grant and applying for it.

“She just saw it (grant opportunity) and got excited,” Lidia said of Bourlon.

The grant is sponsored by Hidden Valley Salad Dressings in collaboration with the School Nutrition Foundation and Produce for Better Health Foundation.

Hidden Valley Salad Dressing provides a year’s supply of dressing in addition to the campaign’s $10,000 check. A 2006 study of two Northern California elementary schools conducted by the University of California Expanded Food and Nutrition program found that children consumed 23 percent more vegetables when paired with a moderate amount of ranch dressing.

Choctaw Elementary will use the money to build and supply a salad and fruit “schooner” in the cafeteria and arrange activities to excite and educate students about fruits and vegetables.

One idea, to provide parents and students with information and recipes on a particular vegetable or fruit each month, is being taken to the national level.

“Hidden Valley liked our idea so much they started doing their own (in a newsletter),” Lidia said.

Choctaw Elementary School just completed its first year as a Healthy Lifestyle School, which earns it a $1,000 grant for nutrition-related activities. It was accepted as a Healthy Lifestyle School for next year, too.

“It’s fun and the kids are learning,” she said.