Love Your Veggies
Recently, I talked about healthier school lunch options, particularly ones involving more fruits and veggies. Despite what many kids and, sadly, some school administrators think, pizza sauce and french fries do not count as a serving of vegetables.
The trouble is, it can be hard to convince some kids that veggies are tasty and fun lunch options. Schools need help in coming up with ideas and programs that will work.
The Love Your Veggies grant program is stepping up to offer that help. The grant, sponsored by Hidden Valley (makers of yummy ranch dressing), will give $10,000 to an elementary school in each of the 50 states. (It looks like my local D.C. is out of luck on this one, oh well.) Schools can use the grants to buy new kitchen equipment, produce, building a vegetable station, staff and training, and several other options. Winners also receive a supply of low fat or fat free Ranch dressing, perfect for dipping some carrots or celery.
The program started last year with just 6 schools, but it was so popular that they are expanding. A look at what last year’s winners have been doing with their funds is inspiring — building a school-wide vegetable garden, creating a veggie-related competition, starting a “Veggie of the Month” program. What could your school come up with?
Let your school officials know about this great funding option!
Click below for a great dip recipe courtesy of the Love Your Veggies Program.
Ranched Up Hummus Dip
Ingredients:
1 16-oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Light dressing
3 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1 cup red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 ½ cups baby carrots
4 4-inch pitas, cut into wedges
Combine garbanzo beans, salad dressing, water, lemon juice and garlic in food processor. Process until smooth. Serve as a dip with pepper strips, carrots and pita wedges.
