We need your Help!

As parents, you all have the oppor-tunity to be involved in positively influencing your child’s food choic-es! The Food School aims to im-prove children’s eating habits by teaching them about real food in a hands on garden classroom setting.

We know that all parents hope to be positive role models in their child’s lives and many already encourage their children to eat and live healthy lifestyles. We hope more parents will influence their children's food choices by reinforcing the lessons of the Food School in a home environ-ment. Use this newsletter’s infor-mation and the exciting activities that are suggested, and you will as-sist us in reinforcing the important lessons taught to your children in school!

Through your active participation and support of the program, you can benefit your child’s wellbeing even more, learn something new yourself, and most importantly have fun while doing it!

The Food School COMPOST NEWSLETTER

Your children have been students of the Food School this Fall. The

third grade students spent time in the Olander garden learning

about composting and it’s importance for soil and food. The chil-

dren will be welcomed back to the garden this Spring to learn more .

This newsletter describes what your children learned at the Food

School and how you can help reinforce the lessons!

What is Composting?

Compositing is nature’s way of recycling! It is a biological process that

consists of breaking down organic waste such as food waste, manure or

leaves/grasses into a useful substance. Compost is used as a soil condi-

tioner that benefits the environment as a natural fertilizer for gardening

and farming.

Is our compost alive?!

Yes! Believe it or not, compost is a live. Micro organisms are respon-

sible for the breakdown of organic waste. These micro organisms digest

these waste products and turn them into a humus that is a nutrient

dense substance. Carbon dioxide and heat are given off in the process,

the hotter your compost pile is the better those micro organisms are

working!

What can you Compost?

November

2015

Do Compost: Don’t Compost:

Food Scraps

Leaves

Paper

Plants and weeds

Coffee grounds

Egg shells

Dairy

Meat

Plastic

Diseased plants

Pesticide treated plants

Remember, the best way to feed your compost is to eat MORE fruits

and vegetables so you can give the scraps to your compost pile!

Try and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to increase the nutrient

composition in your compost. Fruits and vegetables are a great

sources of nutrients, minerals and fiber. Your stomach and your

plants will be thanking you for eating more of these healthy

foods!

Like us on Facebook!

Jennifer Todd

Food School Education Director

jen@happyheartfriends.org

http://happyheartfriends.org/

(970) 231-7203

1) Increase your child’s fruit and vegetable intake! Use the attached rainbow picture and make a goal for your children to eat ALL the colors of the rainbow by the end of the week. Have your children color in the color of fruit and vegetable eaten each day. Be sure to tell your children it is important to not only eat a variety of fruits and vegetables but to eat all the colors to increase health. Rainbow picture: http://bit.ly/1MPZcac

2) Allow your child to choose 3 fruits and vegetables while you are at the grocery store. Encourage your child to bring these veggies and fruits as a healthy and natural snacks to school. Try this by asking them what they can and can’t compost. Can they contribute to the garden compost with that snack?

3) Parents why not start a mini compost bin at home? This will encourage your whole family to always eat compostable items! You and your child will be able to see the progress in front of your own eyes. If you have a family garden, you can use this natural compost to contribute to it.

Simple And Nutritious!!

Recipe courtesy of:

http://bit.ly/1kjgRN2

Ingredients:

1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks

1 lb Brussel sprouts cut length-wise in half

2 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. Sea salt

Ground pepper

1/4 cup dried cranberries

Dijon Vinaigrette:

2 tsp. Dijon Mustard

1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil

Pinch salt and pepper

Calls to Action

How does Compost benefit our food source?

Compost is full of beneficial nutrients that help the plant

grow. Compost improves the nutrient composition of the

plant which in turn makes plant food sources grown with

natural compost more nutritious! There is not always

enough nutrient content in the soil to benefit the plants

growth, that is why it is important to incorporate compost

to the soil. Compost increases the plant and soil composi-

tion of macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium and secondary nutrients such as calcium, mag-

nesium and sulfur. Eating freshly grown produce with

compost will increase the nutrient content of your pro-

duce! Try and eat more of these foods at least 6-7 servings

a day!

1) Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Place squash and sprouts on a

large baking sheet and sprinkle

with olive oil and salt and pepper.

2) Roast for 20-30 minutes. Add

cranberries for final 5 minutes of

baking.

3) In a small bowl, whisk together

all ingredients until emulsified.

4) Place roasted vegetables in a

bowl and add vinaigrette until

lightly dressed.

Help the Food School by giving us

feedback in this QUICK survey:

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/s/

QZIL0ZQy

Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Squash

with Dijon Vinaigrette