Back to School, Back to the Market!

We’re back at it! In September, Chefs for Kids officially kicked off the 2026–2027 school year with our first two Eat a Rainbow Farmers Markets at Gwendolyn Woolley ES and Matt Kelly ES. And if these first two markets are any indication, we’re in for another colorful year of helping children discover just how delicious healthy eating can be!

As always, the fun started with a little nutrition education. Ms. Momii led students through a lesson on the importance of eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, explaining how different colors provide different nutrients that help our bodies grow, stay healthy and feel our best.

Of course, learning about healthy foods is one thing. Actually tasting them is another!

Students got to put their taste buds to the test with samples of spinach, arugula and oranges. For some, it was a chance to enjoy a familiar favorite. For others, it was an opportunity to try something new. And that’s what makes this part of the program so special: Every taste is an opportunity to discover a new favorite, challenge a preconceived notion about vegetables or simply build the confidence to try something unfamiliar. Who knows? That first bite of leafy greens might be the beginning of a lifelong love of healthy eating!

Ready, Set, Shop!

Then came the main event: the farmers market!

Students had the opportunity to become shoppers for the day, selecting fresh and nutritious foods to take home to their families. With a little guidance from Ms. Momii and our volunteers, each student shopped for produce in every color of the rainbow, putting their nutrition lesson into practice one colorful choice at a time.

The market featured a variety of fruits and vegetables, giving students the chance to explore different foods and learn how they can be part of a healthy diet. Here’s a look at what was on the menu:

Blueberries: These little blue gems are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a delicious way to support a healthy body. Our market featured canned blueberries, which offer a convenient way to enjoy this nutritious fruit, and don’t let the water they soak in go to waste! Drink up.

White Onions: Don’t let their humble appearance fool you! Onions contain vitamin C and other beneficial plant compounds that can help support overall health. Plus, they add flavor to countless family-favorite meals.

Parsnips: Looking a little like pale carrots, parsnips are naturally sweet root vegetables packed with fiber and vitamin C. They’re delicious roasted, mashed or added to a hearty soup.

Oranges: This bright orange favorite is well known for its vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system. Oranges are also a refreshing, juicy snack that makes eating fruit easy and delicious.

Red Bell Peppers: These vibrant vegetables are nutritional powerhouses, providing vitamin C and vitamin A. They’re also naturally sweet and crunchy, making them a great snack to enjoy raw or a colorful addition to stir-fries, salads and soups.

Spinach or Arugula: These leafy greens bring plenty of nutrition to the table! Spinach provides vitamins A and K, while arugula offers vitamin K and other beneficial nutrients. Both are easy to add to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes and more.

And if you’re wondering which item stole the show, we have a clear winner: red bell peppers!

Our volunteers overheard some pretty great conversations as students explored the produce. Here are a few of our favorite comments:

“It looks healthy!”

“You could cook it!”

“These peppers look big & juicy!”

And perhaps our favorite:

“I’m going to give this all to my mom and she can make a vegetable soup!”

That last comment captures exactly what the Eat a Rainbow Farmers Market program is all about. It’s not just about introducing children to nutritious foods. It’s about helping them connect what they learn in the classroom to what happens at home, empowering them to share their knowledge with their families and encouraging healthier choices that extend well beyond the school day.

When a child gets excited about bringing home a vegetable and finding a way to use it in a family meal, that’s a win for the entire household!

It Takes a Community to Grow Healthy Kids

Programs like Eat a Rainbow Farmers Market wouldn’t be possible without the incredible community that stands behind Chefs for Kids.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to our generous grant partners, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation and Select Health, whose funding helps us bring these hands-on nutrition experiences to students. We’re equally grateful to the volunteers who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to make each market a success.

Together, you’re doing more than putting fresh produce into children’s hands. You’re helping them build the knowledge, confidence and curiosity they need to make healthier food choices for years to come. And when that knowledge makes its way home to parents, siblings and other family members, the impact grows even bigger.

Help Us Keep the Rainbow Growing

Every farmers market is an opportunity to do something meaningful. A child discovers a new vegetable. A family brings home fresh ingredients for a healthy meal. A student learns that eating well can be colorful, fun and delicious.

These moments might seem small, but together, they help build the foundation for healthier habits that can last a lifetime.

As we look ahead to another school year of Eat a Rainbow Farmers Markets, we invite you to be part of the experience. Whether you support us through a financial contribution, help fund a market or volunteer your time, you play an important role in bringing nutrition education and fresh food to children who need it.

Ready to help our students eat a rainbow? Join the Chefs for Kids community and help us make healthy eating accessible, exciting and achievable for more Southern Nevada families.

Because when we give children the opportunity to learn about nutritious foods, try something new and bring that knowledge home, we’re planting seeds for a healthier future, one colorful bite at a time!