About Us
We are founded on the premise that it is essential to the health of our children and our society to bring the joys of the table to the children of America.
Our Mission Statement
Spoons Across America,® the recipe for healthier children, is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating children, teachers, and families about the benefits of healthy eating. We work to influence the eating habits of children through hands-on education that celebrates the connection to local farmers and the important tradition of sharing meals around the family table.
“The greatest thing you can do for your children is to cook and share food with them. The precious moments you spend together around the family table go way beyond the food itself; they lead to an understanding of the benefits of healthy eating and are the basis for good family relationships.”
– Jacques Pépin, National Spokesperson of Spoons Across America®
Nothing is more fundamental to our children’s success in life than giving them a healthier start in life, and Spoons Across America is the recipe for healthier children. We’ve assembled all the ingredients – our own comprehensive curriculum that’s equal parts academics, hands-on experience, science and fun. We’ve mastered the techniques – studied best practices, innovated and refined our programs. We’ve nurtured the talent – great chefs, inspiring educators, devoted volunteers and seasoned staff.
Our children need better nourishment, body and mind. When activities are centered around healthful food, children experience a fun and exciting way to learn about nutrition, the physiology of taste, and how food weaves its way through daily life. Through our comprehensive nutrition-based curriculum, children develop a healthy food curiosity that has a lasting impact throughout their lives.
- Provides a network for sharing information and resources among culinary professionals, educators, parents, and guardians
- Runs programs in schools, health care organizations, and community-based organizations.
- Supports programs through curriculum development, technical assistance, and capacity building
- Partners with organizations to design, fund, and deliver programs
Our programs encourage healthy eating.
How? All of the program recipes use a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are beneficial to long-term health and well-being.
Why? A 1995 Cornell University study showed that children who have had hands-on opportunity to explore and prepare new and nutritious foods, will be more likely to eat in a healthy way.
Our programs encourage family meals.
How? Whenever possible, Spoons Across America® curricula involve in-class and homework assignments that initiate family meals, encourage family participation, and enrich the family eating experience.
Why? Studies show that the interactions that family meals foster benefit children developmentally and psychologically and increase learning readiness. According to a 2000 White House Council of Economic Advisors’ report, teenagers who had dinner with their parents five nights a week are far more likely to avoid smoking, drinking, violence, suicide, and drugs. This holds true for single-parent, as well as two-parent families, across all income and racial groups.
Our programs address the educational needs of children.
How? Spoons Across America® creates quality hands-on education programs that fulfill New York State educational standards and incorporates valuable life lessons.
Why? Experiential education engages all the senses to reach the whole child. Spoons Across America provides programs that are easy to integrate into existing curriculum.
We are a leader in children’s food education.
How? Since 2001, Spoons Across America® has provided comprehensive nutrition-based educational programs to over 100,000 children, teachers and families. Our goal is to continue to expand our programming around the country.
Why? Children are our future and their overall health is a national concern. Spoons Across America® cares about what children eat and their relationship with food. Spoons Across America’s® vision is to ensure that every child makes more nutritious and more diverse food choices so that they may enjoy the benefits of healthier bodies, healthier lives, healthier families and a healthier community.
