Celebrating Childhood Nutrition Day

October is a doubly special month in our world as it not only marks Childhood Nutrition Day (October 16), but also International Chefs Day (October 20). As a Childhood Nutrition Education nonprofit founded by the ACF Chefs Las Vegas, part of one of the world’s largest chef organizations, that gives us a lot to celebrate!

Childhood Nutrition Day was actually founded in 1995 by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) to raise awareness of childhood hunger, malnutrition and obesity in America. This year’s theme is “Growing Great Chefs” focusing on hosting events that plant the seeds of nutrition in the minds of children across the United States. In Southern Nevada, we’re certainly doing our job. In October alone, we’re: 

• Educating 845 students on the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and living a healthy, active lifestyle. Our students are encouraged to Pick a Better Snack, and get to try fresh produce in the classroom.
• Cookin’ Up Breakfast for 600+ students and staff a free healthy breakfast at Halle Hewetson ES. Showcasing the culinary talents of our local chefs while showing kids how to incorporate healthy foods into their everyday meals.
• Feeding 90 students at a special Farmers Market at Manuel Cortez ES where students participate in a mini-nutrition education lesson, food tasting, and they get to pick a few produce items to take home with them.

Collectively, that’s more than 1,500 young minds we’re planting the seeds of nutrition in, and that’s just in one month. Imagine what we’ll do throughout the entire school year. 

We can’t grow great chefs without your support though, and we want to give a special shoutout to one of our recent supporters. During September, National Hunger Month, Sprouts Foundation awarded $4 million to schools and nonprofit partners, including a local donation to Chefs for Kids. Their grant funding is specifically supporting our Nutrition Education classes, Holiday Helpings, and Produce Picasso/Farmers Markets. Thank you Sprouts Foundation for your support!

Imagine how many minds, and bellies, we’ll be able to impact through your donation. In honor of Childhood Nutrition Day, make a donation, and help us grow great chefs!