On Friday March 21, 2014, third graders throughout Fresno County were invited to attend the ninth annual Farm and Nutrition Day. This year, more than 3,400 students and 50 booths were in attendance. The goals of Farm and Nutrition Day are to: educate students on the county's rich agricultural history, encourage students to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and help students make the connection on how food gets from the farm to our fork.
Although California grows the freshest fruits, vegetables and nuts in the county, many students don't eat enough of these nutritious foods. To encourage students to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program put on their annual interactive play.
In the performance, Sometimes Sally (played by Evelyn Morales) only wanted to eat sometimes foods that were high in fat and sugar. Anytime Ann (played by Brittanny Zweigle) convinces Sometimes Sally to eat more "anytime" foods high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and calcium.
In the end, Sometimes Sally and Anytime Ann learn how to make healthy choices. After participating in the play students are able too explain and identify the difference between a "sometime" vs. "anytime" food. The play also helps students learn the importance of MyPlate.
Did the students get the message? We think so! After the play students were generous enough to give Sometimes Sally their raisins.
Special thanks to the Fresno County Farm Bureau and The Big Fresno Fair for hosting such a great event for children in the Central Valley!