American students get a taste of the Mediterranean

Chartwells School Dining Services, the company that serves breakfast and lunch to over 2.3 million school children each day has come up with the 'Eat. Learn. Live Mediterranean' promotion. This educational event is being offered to all Chartwells School District students during the month of March. To celebrate the event at primary schools, Chartwells staff are reading a book titled 'Theodore, Sydney and Ava get ready for food and culture day and explore the Mediterranean.' Theodore, Sydney and Ava are Chartwells school characters that help students learn about good nutrition and staying active. The book communicates important messages about eating a balanced diet and getting physical activity, while highlighting the health benefits of traditional diets eaten in Mediterranean countries. Prior to reading the story, participating children will watch a short food and culture themed video starring Theodore, Sydney and Ava. While they listen to the story, students will sing a song and participate in energising physical activity stretches. The storybook will be donated to the school's classroom or library, and all children will be given activity sheets and bookmarks to take home. To celebrate the event at secondary schools, a nutrition and culinary table will be set up in Chartwells' cafes to create awareness and serve as a destination where students can taste Mediterranean food samples, participate in games, and pick up educational materials including recipes to take home. Greek turkey burgers, chicken tzatziki wraps, and hummus plates will be featured as part of nutritious meals. Students will also have an opportunity to view an educational slide show in the cafeteria while they enjoy their lunch. "The Mediterranean region doesn't think of their eating habits as a diet plan; it's simply their way of life. And it's a way of life that can help protect against heart disease, diabetes, cancer - and even help maintain a healthy weight," said Margie Saidel RD, director of nutrition for Chartwells School Dining Services. "Our Eat. Learn. Live Mediterranean Promotion encourages students to choose healthy foods, get plenty of physical activity, appreciate foods eaten in Mediterranean cultures, and it helps us recognise National Nutrition Month."