Chef Barb demonstrates how to cook stir-fry with tofu.

While most parents find it a challenge for their kids to eat healthy foods, the students at Graham Bruce Elementary are not only learning about healthy foods, they’re tasting it as well.

On November 17, the Sunrise Team had the privilege in joining the grade six class of Graham Bruce Elementary in an innovative program called Project Chef. It’s a program that’s had many educators and parents jumping for joy since its beginnings, but none more excited than the kids themselves.

“Project Chef is awesome!” exclaims John, a spiky-haired sixth grader with a big appetite. “We’re learning about the different food groups, how to cook well-balanced foods, and we’re teaching our parents how to cook too!”

During the session, the Sunrise Team watched Chef Barb and her team of expert chefs engage the class, teaching the students the process of cooking, cutting, eating, and cleaning, all while explaining the nutritional benefits of the food. On today’s menu: Stir-fry tofu with brown rice.

 “Stir-fry tofu is good for you,” says one sixth grader as she works with her team. “It has four food groups: vegetables, grains, mushrooms, and meat alternatives.”

Needless to say, the Sunrise Team was very impressed.

Project Chef was the vision of Barbra Finely. It’s a program inspired by the need for kids to learn more about healthy food alternatives and how to prepare foods themselves. Project Chef has visited four schools this year and is slated to join even more schools in various distrcts in 2011/2012.

“The value of this program is remarkable”, says Tony Insua, Marketing Coordinator for Sunrise Soya Foods. “The kids really enjoy it and we’re happy to contribute and participate in this program again this year.”

If you would like more information on Project Chef, or would like to see Project Chef in your school, please visit their website at www.projectchef.ca. You can also check out what kids have said about it by visiting our previous blog “Health Eating – It’s Elementary”.

Has your child been involved with Project Chef? Let us know about their experience by posting your comments below.