Nutrition Education
Little D and the Royal Family Visit Altoona Elementary Schools
Students at Altoona Area School District, Altoona, Pa., traveled back in time to the land of castles and dragons to learn about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity. Michelle Marker, wellness coordinator for Metz & Associates, and Milt Miller, foodservice director at Altoona Area School District, used Little D’s Nutrition Expedition™ in their kindergarten, first grade and second grade classrooms. Little D’s Nutrition Expedition is an educational program developed by the National Dairy Council®. Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association provides kits to second- and fourth-grade teachers.
Throughout the school year, teachers utilized lesson plans from Little D’s, and Marker reinforced the concepts with three assemblies at each of the participating elementary schools. At the final assembly held on May 23, 2008, students were excited to see cardboard cutouts of the Royal Family. In addition, students received a nutritious snack from each Royal Family member — a whole-wheat muffin from Prince Waffle, a bag of mini carrots from Princess Pea Pod, a banana from Queen Anna Banana, milk from Sir Milkford, and a plastic egg with Meat Group surprise inside from King Eggward. Marker said that the Altoona students developed an amazing knowledge about diet and nutrition through the Little D’s Program.
Pictured: Milt Miller, foodservice director, and Michelle Marker, wellness coordinator, pose with Lady Holly the Cow