Rob: The Oklahoma Food Policy Council was established to examine the
potential for increasing the amount of Oklahoma grown food served in
school districts all across our state.
The response, so far, has been overwhelmingly positive.
Today, close to 70% of schools are now serving Oklahoma grown watermelon
and honeydew melon.
A popularity that could potentially see even more growth, thanks to a little
star power.
Our Brian Bendele reports.
Chef Harry: And so for me, and for many of you I'm sure, as well, watermelon
became my favorite vegetable.
Brian: Have you ever thought of making a watermelon cupcake?
Chef Harry: So, we're going to take a little round of watermelon, punch
it out of the center.
Brian: Well, I haven't, but Chef Harry has, and he has found a way to make
eating healthy look fun and creative.
Harry Schwartz: Yes there is food involved, and yes, it's creative.
But I think it's because I'm listening to them and they know it; and they can
ask me questions; and I can ask them questions; and I involve the kids.
And that's what fitness from the start is all about, is involving the
kids in this program, so that they take the initiative, not only so
they can educate their family, but also so that they can gain some self
esteem and take ownership in what they're doing and be proud of themselves.
Brian: Chef Harry Schwartz, the Watermelon Board, and the Oklahoma
Department of Agriculture, teamed up last semester to bring his Fitness from the
Start Program and the Farm to School Program to Shawnee Middle School.
Schwartz: I think the next generation is in trouble.
I don't think anybody is listening to them.
I think they are really unhealthy; they have a shorter life span than we
do; and somebody's got to do something.
And I've got nothing better to do.
And so, I don't think anyone has anything better to do, frankly, so.
You know, it's just been a great experience, very rewarding.
Brian: But Harry, is not alone.
Farm to School Program coordinator, Chris Kirby, says that she thinks the
message is starting to get through.
Chris Kirby: Who likes watermelon in this group?
Wow!
Okay.
You know, I'm really surprised how many kids raised their hands that
liked to cook.
You know, I was just like, okay, go home and tell your parents.
You've got these great recipes, and say, I want to cook tonight.
Brian: Kirby says hands-on exercises, like Chef Harry's presentation,
really sparks interest with all involved.
Kirby: Whether you are an adult or a student, being able to touch it, feel it,
and being engaged in the process, it seems to last with you.
It's one of those situations that, you will remember for a long time.
These kids will remember this presentation that chef harry did, you know.
And hopefully, they will be able to take that information and use it in
the choices that they make in the future too.
Brian: But what is unique about these watermelons is that all were grown by a
local producer, making this program a win-win for all Oklahomans;
secretary of agriculture, Terry Peach.
Terry Peach: I think this will open a new market
for Oklahoma agriculture producers.
As they see the opportunity to raise, not just watermelon, but
various fruits and vegetables.
And we create a new market in our public school system to provide more
nutritious and more healthy and more fresh fruits.
So we think this is a great opportunity for Oklahoma farmers and
ranchers, as well as, a great opportunity for public education, to have
more nutritious food programs in the Oklahoma public school system.
Brian: By growing and producing an education
on how to live and eat healthier.
Rob: And joining me now is our Brian Bendele.
Well, Brian, it looks as if Chef Harry received
a really good response from the students.
Brian: Well, Rob, the kids loved it.
I mean, forgive the pun, but they really ate it up.
The one thing I noticed was how Harry made it a point to speak at the
students' level and relate to the students.
Harry spoke about how when he was young, he had an eating problem, and it all
stemmed from poor self-esteem.
He let the students know that just by eating healthier, it will, in
turn, help them feel better about themselves.
Rob: So, when it comes to eating right, who should be responsible for making
sure kids eat what they need to eat?
Brian: I think both the schools and the parents.
While I was there, it was obvious that every student
gave Harry their full attention.
They all had smiles, because who doesn't love watermelon?
They listened, and I guarantee, they went home and told their parents.
So all the parents have to do now is, make it available.
Just cut up some fruits and vegetables and leave it in the fridge.
Sure, it takes a little extra effort, but it's time well spent.
Rob: Well, let me ask you this, Brian.
Why do you think it's taken so much time for the Farm to School Program to
take off like it has?
Brian: Well, who knows whether it's the fast food world we live in, or the
convenience of mega stores?
But what is important is that the initiative is catching on.
In fact, in May of 2006, the Oklahoma legislature passed a bill creating a
position devoted entirely to the Farm to School Program.
Rob: Well, thank you, Brian.
Now, anyone wanting more information on how to get their school involved can
go to our web site at OkHorizon.com where
we'll have a link to Farm to School.