December 2024 Nutrition Newsletter

December 02nd, 2024

 

In this issue:
• Harvest of the Month Available to All TK-12 Grades
• Harvest of the Month Featured Food: Guava
• Farm to School Spotlight: Blender Bikes
• Featured Menu Item: Carnitas Street Tacos
• Job & career opportunities

 

 

Did You Know? Harvest of the Month is Available to All Grades TK-12?

 

 

 

Harvest of the Month (HOTM) is a wonderful opportunity to provide nutrition education in the classroom in an engaging, interactive, and tasty way. Each month a new food is delivered to participating classes along with lesson plans and activities to learn about the foods.

 

While the majority of our HOTM classes are in elementary schools, the program is available at no charge to classes in all grade levels, TK-12. We’ve seen several more middle school classes participate and would love to see the program expand across every grade level.

 

If a teacher wants to sign up for the program, it’s easy. For more information about the program, classroom tasting parties, and more, email Aleeza Hendershot.

 

 

Farm to School Focus:
December’s Harvest Of The Month is Guava

 

Guava is the Harvest of the Month food

 

Our Harvest of the Month classrooms will be conducting taste tests and lessons featuring Guava from Dickinson Family Farms in Fallbrook.

 

Here is a little more information about Guava:
Guavas are a common tropical fruit native to Central America. They were introduced to the United States in the 1800s.  They are commonly eaten plain, used in jams and jellies, or made into juice and smoothies. Guavas are an excellent component for salads.

 

Guava skin is typically yellow or light green, while its flesh is usually deep red or a vibrant shade of pink. It has rounded seeds that are edible.

 

Image of a guava whole and a guava cut openWhy eat Guavas?
Guavas are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is excellent for skin health. Guava also:

 

– Is rich in vitamin C

– Has high amounts of dietary fiber 

– Contains a moderate amount of folic acid

 


Guava Trivia

– Archaeological sites in Peru show evidence of guava being grown there as early as 2500 BCE.

 

– Guava was brought to Hawaii in the early 1800 and used primarily for its strong and durable wood; the fruit also became popular.

 

– Guavas are popular with home plant growers in subtropical areas because they are one of the few tropical fruits that can grow full-sized fruit in pots indoors.

 

– In 2019 the total production of guavas around the world was 55 million tons, with India accounting for almost 50% of the total.

 

A bunch of guavaHarvest of the Month Resources
Learn more about Guava with your class during a Harvest of the Month activity. You can download our Harvest of the Month resources for families here. 

 

Harvest of the Month is available for any classroom that wants to participate. If your child’s teacher wants to sign up for the program, it’s easy. For more information about the program, classroom tasting parties, and more, email Aleeza Hendershot.

 

 

Nutrition Education Spotlight: Blender Bikes

Students with bike blender

 

One of our favorite ways to engage students in learning about the fresh, local foods we serve is by utilizing our Blender Bikes. These bikes allow students (or adults) to power a blender attached to the front of these stationary bicycles and create fresh fruit smoothies.

 

 

We recently had the bike visit VAPA during lunch time, where students and staff had a great time riding the bike and powering some delicious smoothie samples. The bike also made a recent appearance at Empresa Elementary. Not only did people have a lot of fun and laughs using the bike, but we were able to share about the food that we offer students each and every day.

 

 

If you’d like to host a Blender Bike at your school, send us an email and we’ll see how we can schedule a fun and engaging nutrition lesson for you. Email Aleeza Hendershot.

 


No Cost For Student Meals!

 

 

California is one of seven states across the country that has made school meals available at no cost to all students! In addition to providing fresh, healthy, delicious foods to our students, there is no paperwork required.

 

 

Menu Spotlight: Carnitas Street Tacos

 

 

One of the favorite items on our current menu is this entree of freshly cooked carnitas street tacos. We roast our carnitas with a variety of flavor-packed spices and the result is tender, tasty meat piled on top of a tortilla. 

 

Diners are able to access a variety of toppings that include fresh veggies and our homemade salsa. After creating your ideal tacos, be sure to build your perfect, complete plate by choosing from our delicious selection of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Many are from local and organic farms, making your meal delicious and nutritious.

 

Be sure to check your school’s menu for the full selection of items and your daily favorites.

 

*** Menus are subject to change based on ingredient availability and staffing needs.

 

 

Thank You For Taking Our Fall Menu Survey

 

 

We’d like to thank the nearly 2,500 people who completed our fall menu survey. Your feedback is a vital part of our work and helps us to continually improve and adapt to the changing tastes of the people we serve.

 

We’ll have a survey recap in the January newsletter but wanted you to know that your voices are heard and appreciated.

 

 

 

 

Build Your Perfect Plate

 

Build Your Perfect Plate in English with fresh fruit graphic

 

With all of the amazing food offered, we encourage our students (and staff) to build the plate that they want. Whether adding your favorite toppings to a burger, decorating tamales and tacos with just the right mix of salsa and veggies, or adding fresh fruit to a salad, these options are offered every day.

 

We encourage you to make the most of everything that’s offered and build your own perfect plate.

 


We’re Hiring!
Join Our Amazing Team.


 

School nutrition is an extremely rewarding job. You can be part of the nation’s largest restaurant group, serving tasty and nutritious meals to our children each and every day. What’s more, you’ll meet amazing people who are skilled, dedicated, and passionate about their roles.

 

Our team has the unique opportunity to interact with almost every student, every day. Those interactions make a big difference in our kids’ lives and lead to long-lasting and meaningful friendships.

 

See all of our available positions here: https://wavecrestcafe.com/employment-opportunities/

 

 

Resources, Grants, And Events

 

Request A Master Gardener For Your School
The San Diego County Master Gardener Association provides Master Gardeners to help schools set up and maintain gardens. Master Gardeners act as consultants, mentoring parents and teachers who request help with beginning or improving their school gardens. Request a garden consultant here.

 

 

 

Solana Center Workshops – Rolling Dates
The Solana Center hosts a variety of workshops and lessons across San Diego County, with topics including composting, raising backyard chickens, green living, and water-wise gardening. Check out their events calendar here.

 

 

Bonnie’s Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program – Rolling Dates
Bonnie’s provides free mega-cabbage plants to 3rd-grade teachers across the US who want to participate. Students grow the cabbages and submit pictures and measurements of their harvest to be considered for a $1,000 scholarship. Find out how to participate here.

 

 

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(C) 2024 WaveCrest Cafe / Vista Unified School District
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Esta institución es un proveedor de igualdad de oportunidades.

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