July 8, 2022
Molly Rusch assists a young child pedaling on the blender bike.

This past May, students across the state SNAP-Ed received a copy of the book Sylvia’s Spinach  by Katherine Pryor. The book, which was given out with a

parent guide and bookmark, was a kickoff to a campaign encouraging families to try something new this summer.

To bring this message to life, SNAP-Ed organized events at schools based on the book. Spinach tastings, growing spinach in school gardens, read alouds by

farmers, and parent events connected students and families to the book.

For example, at Rock Hall Elementary School in Rock Hall, Maryland, all students in the school attended an assembly. The book was read aloud, and students answered questions about why Sylvia’s mind changed about spinach after growing it in her school garden: “She felt proud of the spinach she grew.” “It felt different to try it at school instead of at home.” “The spinach from the garden was fresh!”

Then it was time to get to work! Students were given the opportunity to try spinach in a new way too: in a smoothie! But these smoothies were made using the 4H blender bike, so they enjoyed a little physical activity too. Lots of thumbs ups were flashed for the yummy spinach smoothie.

At the end of the school day, students and their families had an opportunity to try something new! The school had organized an after school farmers market, where families who attended could select fruits and vegetables from local farmers for free!

Families picking produce from an outdoor farmers market.

Now that the school year is over, Maryland SNAP-Ed is out in the community promoting Eat

Your Words. We’ll be at farmers’ markets and summer meals sites with fun activities encouraging families to seek out fresh healthy food, cook together as a family, and try new foods.

Everyone in Maryland can participate in Eat Your Words this summer. Visit your local farmers market and buy a new fruit or vegetable. Make your own “Flat

Sylvia” and snap a picture of her at the market (be sure to tag @eatsmartmd and #eatyourwords on Facebook or Instagram). Try growing some of your own fruits and veggies, and try new recipes from the EatSmart recipe collection

 

Spinach tasting table with spinach smoothies.
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This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP in cooperation with Maryland’s Department of Human Services and University of Maryland Extension. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.