Kids will have something new and exciting to talk about, as an innovative Nutrition Program is about to make its way into their classrooms. This program is the result of a collaborative effort between Kin’s Farm Market and COBS Bread. As part of this informative program, a Nutrition representative will visit local schools to talk to the children about healthy eating habits. These presentations will take place all over the Lower Mainland, from North Vancouver all the way down to Chilliwack.

Kin’s and COBS have carefully selected Marnie Melsted as their representative at the schools. Michelle Duck, COBS’ Brand Manager, was impressed with how quickly Marnie established a rapport with the children. “She is very approachable and talks about nutrition in a way that really resonates with children. The kids really look up to her and are eager to participate." Marnie is also excited about the program, and she "absolutely loves how involved and enthusiastic the kids are during the nutrition seminars.”

Together with its show-and-tell activities and tasty fruit snacks, the program is able to bring factual lessons to life in a way that is memorable for both minds and stomachs alike. After each presentation, an activity book is given to every child as a reminder to eat healthy foods in the classroom and at home. The activity book, entitled ‘My Magic Lunchbox,’ is filled with fun word games, cross-word puzzles, and mouth-watering recipes that are meant to be shared between both parent and child.

Parents, teachers and educators alike, were impressed by the program. Lisa Tan, a mother from Inglewood Preschool, in West Vancouver, truly enjoyed the presentation. “The program was great! The fact that the kids could touch and feel the grains, fruits and vegetables, made it easier for them to understand what Marnie was talking about.” Joanne Enchelmaier, second grade teacher from Clinton Elementary in Burnaby added that “[her] students thoroughly enjoyed having a nutritionist visit the classroom. They were enthusiastic about trying juicy, tasty fruit and they learned that whole grains and whole wheat products were a better food choice.” Susan Cairns, Executive Director for the Langley School District Foundation was equally impressed. “Innovative and unique ways of teaching children about nutrition are very welcome at the Langley School District. And [we are] very appreciative of the materials and workshops that have been offered at no charge to the Langley students.”

The Nutrition Program is scheduled to run from January 2009 until March 2009, however, due to the overwhelming interest received by the schools, Kin's and COBS are exploring the possibility of extending the presentation period to accommodate more schools. If you would like to hear more about the Nutrition Program, or you would like to get your own Kin’s and COBS Activity Book, send an email to Nutrition@kinsfarmmarket.com.