GREAT SNACKS FOR AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING
AT WAIMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL
2005-2006 School Year
PROJECT PHILOSOPHY
Good nutrition enhances ability to learn and general well being, especially at a time of life when students are experiencing big changes in their young bodies. At Waimea Middle School, a huge effort is made to provide after school snacks that are both healthy and delicious. We select and serve foods as if they may be the healthiest foods our students will eat all day.
PROJECT PARTNERS: A collaboration guided by Waimea Middle School’s educational strategic plan to support student achievement and the healthy child, the project was initiated at the suggestion of the Local Advisory Panel. Great Snacks for After-School Tutoring partners with Mala ‘Ai: The Culinary Gardens of Waimea Middle School and the 21st Century/North Hawai’i Community Learning Center at WMS.
PURPOSE: To provide healthy, delicious snacks for students in a targeted after school academic support program.
Tutoring occurs three days a week – Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Snacks are provided for about 160 middle school students and their 25 tutors. As of Feb. 1, 2006, we have served over 2,500 snacks.
FOOD CRITERIA: Dr. Michelle Suber and Amanda Rieux from Mala ‘Ai developed criteria for the snacks and then met with nutrition consultant Vivienne Aronowitz M.P.H., R.D. for more specific suggestions for healthy snacks available on the island. Local chef, Sandy Barr, was also consulted for insight on local sources for fruit: purveyors and small producers.
Each snack contains a proportion of quality protein, contains no hydrogenated oil, and is produced with minimal refined sugars and processing. Nothing with peanuts in it is served because peanut allergies can be deadly. Every effort is made to provide fresh fruit at least once a week, preferably island-grown. Also, filtered water is provided for all students.
Because we do not have access to a certified kitchen, snacks are “ready to eat” items; no food preparation is required.
BUDGET: It was agreed that using 21st Century funds, about 80 cents could be allocated per snack. Also, basic project coordination requires approximately 7-8 hours per week for shopping and assembly. 21st Century funds cover project coordination.
LOGISTICS: Whenever possible, items are purchased “in bulk” from Costco, KTA Superstores under their Mountain Apple program, and from local farms. We also are exploring opportunities to work with various wholesale health food distributors such as Mountain People.
Items are assembled for each tutorial and students from each class come to pick up the snacks. When possible, a brief conversation is held to familiarize them with the snack items.
Early on, students felt skeptical about what was being offered, but have over time, come to look forward to the snacks- even when it means trying new things. Among the biggest “hits” have been kiwi fruit and Edamame (boiled, lightly salted soy beams).
We do not force anyone to eat anything but do ask students to “have an open mind” and try things once. Before we started the program, we asked parents to inform us of food allergies so we can offer alternatives when necessary.
SAMPLE SNACKS:
ANECDOTAL OBSERVATIONS:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mala ‘Ai:
Dr. Michelle Suber (808-887-8792)
Amanda Rieux (808-640-3637)
Waimea Middle School:
Pat Rice, Director of Instruction – (808-960-7647)
Patti Cook, NHCLC @ WMS – (808-937-2833)