Bite By Bite
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Midwest Food ConnectionInspiring kids to take initiative for their health while teaching compassion and care along the way.
$2,540
raised by 25 people
$3,000 goal
Community Food Educators
Midwest Food Connection has been doing food education in the classroom since 1996. Our philosophy centers around experiential learning by bringing food into the classroom, sharing stories, cooking together, and tasting new foods. There are no barriers to education with our teaching style. We reach all children regardless of their socio-economic status.
To expand our current work, we plan to launch a Community Food Educators Program in three schools. The role of the food educator would be to teach annual lessons on a wide array of food topics. Additionally, he/she will be engaged with the school lunch program, after-school care, neighborhood groups, and local food shelves. We expose the children to new recipes, cooking skills, and food knowledge. When we teach the children, they inspire their families to learn more about food and health. This will deepen the overall community’s knowledge surrounding health.
This work is necessary to bring food education to the forefront of school curriculum. It will cost approximately $30,000 a year to be in one school, and our goal is to be present in three. We would like to continue to expand this program in the coming years, and we can do that with your help.
A parent comments on the effect Midwest Food Connection has had on their child’s enthusiasm towards food: “My first grader came home telling me about a salad he made in class and then offered to make our dinner salad this evening. Great stuff!”
A former student recalls a particular food lesson: “I remember sitting in a circle...with classmates, and I can still picture with perfect clarity the moment when the instructor sliced through a star fruit as we watched wide-eyed. It tasted unlike anything I had experienced before! That moment of realization and appreciation has stuck with me throughout my entire life. I now work in sustainable agriculture and food justice.”
The first five donors who sign up to donate monthly will receive a free Midwest Food Connection apron!