It is sometimes very difficult to get your kids to eat healthy and nutritious food. No worries, a Chicago-based non-profit organization has come up with a magical formula.
Purple Asparagus, a Chicago-based non-profit organization, discovered a new formula to educate children, families, and communities by indulging them in a process. The results of the new solution have been remarkable. Nearly 67% of parents have started reporting their kids are eating more vegetables and 76% of them reported more fruits with the non-profit’s magical formula.
Melissa Graham, the founder and the CEO of Purple Asparagus said, “Our mission is to educate children, families and the community about eating that’s good for the body and the planet.”
The non-profit organization wants every child, family, and community to have access and enjoy good health by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, as well as whole grains.
Graham added, “We provide education and inspiration for those in our community with access to delicious and nutritious foods to help them make better choices and explore the exciting world of healthy eating. We advocate for those in our community without access to delicious and nutritious foods and fight for the access, equity and opportunity for every individual to live a delicious nutritious life.”
The organization’s program is called Delicious Nutritious Adventures, a monthly nutrition program that includes educating young elementary school kids in the classroom during the school day.
The CEO of Purple Asparagus explained, “We introduce a new fruit or vegetable in each session by learning about it, tasting it and finally cooking with it.”
The nutrition program is offered each year to 1,200 students in 18 schools. And so far, the outcomes have been great.
Graham is aware of the fact that there is more work to do, although the program got a good response. She knows the program does not have a great name like other nutrition-centric organizations with renowned chefs. However, with a small team and a small budget, she and her dedicated volunteers are pretty proud of what they have achieved.
The group serves not only 1,200 students each year but 500 students through its summer and community programs.
Graham said that Purple Asparagus has one of the greatest social impacts per donor dollar in the school food education policies in Chicago. Volunteers are the heart and soul of Purple Asparagus and many help by assisting their team leaders. One can visit the website if they are interested in learning more about program and opportunities.
