In this activity, you will plan a safe and healthy meal.
We now know how important healthy nutrition is for the development of young minds. Pretend you are working in an elementary school and working with a group of 4th graders on a Health and Nutrition Unit. To kick off the unit, you are going to prepare them a nutritious breakfast they will eat when they walk into the classroom on Monday morning.
Task 1: Use the knowledge from the My Plate video and website to create a balanced breakfast. In one paragraph, describe what foods you will include in your breakfast. Don’t forget to mention the serving size you’ll give them and the food group it is from. Explain why you made the choices you did.
One aspect you may want to analyze is which foods will promote cognitive development for children going to school. Questions to consider: Which breakfast choices will keep them fueled until lunch?
Task 2: Now that you have your menu, write what steps you will take to ensure the food and environment are safe and sanitary. You will be using the school kitchen to prepare the food. What will you do before, during, and after food preparation to ensure the food is safe to eat?
1 answer
The whole grain toast and peanut butter provide carbohydrates and healthy fats, which are important for providing energy and promoting cognitive development. Grapes are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, which are essential for brain health. Low-fat milk is rich in protein and calcium, which are necessary for growth and development. This combination of foods will provide a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients to keep the children fueled until lunch.
Task 2: To ensure the food and environment are safe and sanitary, I will take the following steps before, during, and after food preparation:
1. Before food preparation, I will wash my hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. I will also ensure that all cooking utensils and surfaces are clean and sanitized.
2. During food preparation, I will separate raw food from ready-to-eat food to avoid cross-contamination. I will use different cutting boards and knives for fruits and bread, and for peanut butter spreading. I will also keep perishable ingredients like milk refrigerated until they are ready to be used.
3. I will cook the toast at the recommended temperature to ensure it is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. I will also ensure that the peanut butter is free from any contamination and stored properly in a clean container.
4. After food preparation, any leftovers or uneaten food will be discarded properly to prevent the growth of bacteria. All utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces will be washed and sanitized. I will clean the kitchen thoroughly to maintain a safe and sanitary environment for future use.
By following these steps, I will ensure that the food prepared for the 4th graders' breakfast is safe to eat and that the school kitchen remains clean and sanitary.