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Ephrata Area School District students in Grades 1-4 had the opportunity to sample lesser-known fruits and vegetables thanks to a grant worth more than $9,000 from the Highmark Foundation. On several days in October, November, and December, students were offered samples of fruits and vegetables, including pomegranates, mangoes, jicama (a type of turnip that originated in Mexico), and snow peas.

The Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge grant also provided instructional sessions for 2nd Grade students. Instructors from the Weller Health Education Center taught students about digestion, nutrition, ingredients, and the benefits of exercise. The lessons were tied to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards.

“Introducing children to a variety of fruits and vegetables can lead to a lifetime of healthy eating habits. The students also actively participated in workshops with nutrition and fitness lessons about digestion, healthy food choices, food packaging and advertising as well as the importance of exercise in our lives. Students and teachers were very positive about this program,” said Lori Bickel, school nurse at Akron and Clay elementary schools.