San Francisco Elementary Students Discover Fruits and Veggies on a Fun Field Trip
On a crisp winter morning in San Francisco, a group of enthusiastic six-year-olds is ready to dive into the world of fruits and vegetables. Gathered at Lincoln Elementary, their eyes twinkle with excitement as they eagerly name their current favorites: peaches and broccoli. But there’s a big adventure awaiting them at the nearby Ferry Plaza Farmers Market that promises to expand their culinary horizons!
With handfuls of tokens in their pockets, these first-graders are set to explore a smorgasbord of produce they’ve never tasted before. Think persimmons, pomegranates, Asian pears, and even purple potatoes! Their mission? To purchase and taste as many new fruits and veggies as possible, dipping into familiar and adventurous spices along the way.
A Field Trip Like No Other
The troop of little ones, along with a few excited parents and their teacher, Kitty Chen, took the subway from Oakland’s Chinatown to the farmers’ market, kicking off what everyone hopes will be a memorable day. Kitty has escorted many students on this field trip before, and she understands how crucial this experience is. “At this age, kids can become really picky eaters,” she says. “But what they try here can make a huge difference.”
Thanks to a program called Foodwise Kids, more than 20,000 local students have had the chance to visit this iconic market and learn about healthy eating. This non-profit focuses on schools with a high number of students who are either of color or eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The mission? To spark a love for fruits and vegetables that lasts a lifetime!
Getting to Know the Produce
Once they arrive at the market, the students group into their new teams—the Strawberry-Raspberries, the Cherries, and the California Columbines. They introduce themselves and even share their favorite fruits and veggies. One standout is Temnit Desta, who surprises everyone by declaring her love for sour lemons. “She likes sour,” giggles her mom, revealing that Temnit comes from a family of spicy-food lovers.
With $12 in market tokens to spend, the small groups set off on their adventure, making their first stop at farmer Bill Crepps’ stall. Bill has been showcasing his produce at the market for over 27 years, and he beams with satisfaction as he watches the kids enthusiastically chat about kale and broccoli.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: A Community Staple
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market has been a staple for urban families since its inception, following the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake. It aims to connect city dwellers with local farmers and educate them about sustainable agriculture. The market is designed to benefit families by accepting SNAP benefits, and they even match every dollar spent to give families more purchasing power.
After stocking up their baskets—so full that two kids have to team up to carry them—the magical experience continues. The students enjoy a quick tour of the Ferry Building, and when they come back, a team of volunteers begins cooking up the fresh produce. They wash, roast, and spice everything to perfection, using flavors that might already be familiar to the kids.
The Big Taste Test
As the delicious aromas fill the air, the kids gather to taste. Items like purple potatoes, kale, and carrots fly off the trays, but there’s a line at the hummus and raw broccoli, which elicits a few wrinkled noses. “Today is all about trying new things,” reminds Tiffany. The aim is to create a safe space where students feel comfortable exploring flavors they’ve never faced before.
Despite initial hesitation, by the end of the class, a shy Temnit boldly seeks out more persimmons, while a classmate races around for the remaining pomegranate seeds! It’s a heartwarming sight—a testament to how curiosity and encouragement can change tastes and open up an entire world of healthy eating.
The students were not just on a trip; they were embarking on a little food adventure that might just turn their “picky” into “yummy!” Who knows, the next time broccoli comes around in the school cafeteria, they might just be ready to dive in!
