While schools and youth organizations across America continue to face budget constraints, many have been forced to scale back or completely eliminate field trip opportunities that give kids learning experiences often not possible in the classroom.
Recognizing the importance of hands-on learning, Albertsons, a SUPERVALU (NYSE: SVU) company, has championed this cause by reinforcing its commitment this school year to the Albertsons Healthy Eaters™ field trip program, an award-winning program offered free to any K – 4th grade children’s group interested in experiencing healthy eating lessons outside of the traditional classroom or meeting environment.
“Studies show that when children learn at an early age how to make the right food choices, they will be more likely to make healthy choices throughout their lifetime,” said Albertsons Nutritionist Heidi Diller. “And, while it’s possible to teach children about healthy eating habits in a classroom, we give them the chance to see, touch, smell and even prepare healthy food choices. Our goal is to get kids excited about healthy eating in an up-close and personal way, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer this program free to our neighboring schools and community youth groups.”
Last year, more than 83,000 children participated in Albertsons Healthy Eaters, and learned how to incorporate healthy eating into their daily routine. More importantly, post-field trip surveys show that these same children are sharing what they learned with peers and family members.
Designed to reinforce the nutrition and healthy living curricula taught in schools, the store-based Albertsons Healthy Eaters field trip program is geared for children in kindergarten through 4th grade and includes fun activities that are easy to understand and absorb. Primary students (K-2nd grade) focus on simple concepts demonstrated through interactive experiences to promote understanding of healthy behaviors and choices.
For intermediate students (3rd-4th grade), lessons include specifics on healthy choices, reading labels, nutrients, fats and portion sizes that are demonstrated through hands-on exercises relevant to the grocery environment. At the end of each tour, all children receive free samples of healthy foods and goodie bags.
Ninety-eight percent of educators and group leaders surveyed have given their Albertsons Healthy Eaters tour leader and the overall experience an “A” grade.
“The overall experience was great,” said Teresa Piece, a Bremerton, Wash., first grade teacher. “My students especially enjoyed making the turkey wrap sandwiches and tasting the cereal. I was thrilled about how close the field trip was to our school and that it was free. It was a great ending to our nutrition unit.”
Now is the ideal time for elementary school educators or youth group/organization leaders to schedule a tour at their neighborhood Albertsons in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, Montana and Wyoming. It’s easy to do. Simply call 1-800-987-6409 or visit www.fieldtripfactory.com/albertsons.
