The Food Exploration Project provides a taste of Spoons Across America’s food and nutrition literacy program for schools and community organizations across America who are looking to add a classroom-based food program to their current curricular offerings

If you are homeschooling your children or teach in a teaching pod or micro-school, we have designed The Food Exploration Project – Homeschooling program for you. Click here to learn more and to purchase the program.

The Food Exploration Project 

This eight-session program for 1st through 6th-grade children brings together highlights from our current school-based programs in a progressive and developmental sequence.

We are currently accepting applications for The Food Exploration Project for schools and afterschool programs outside of New York City.  

If you are interested in receiving The Food Exploration Project please fill out an interest form here and we will get back to you with the next steps. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Food Exploration Project? The Food Exploration Project is an eight-session food and nutrition literacy program for 1st through 6th-grade children that brings together highlights from Spoons Across America’s current school-based programs. Hands-on activities include opportunities to taste new and familiar foods, learn about where food comes from via picture books, develop age-appropriate nutrition and cooking skills, make simple recipes, and have fun while learning about the importance of balanced and healthful eating.

What age group is recommended for this program? The Food Exploration Project can be adapted to work with most age groups, although younger children will need more adult direction and support. In some cases, older children have worked with younger students after participating in their own sessions. Curriculum materials include suggestions for how to adapt the program for different age children.

How is The Food Exploration Project implemented?  Program sessions can be implemented according to the needs and schedule of your program or site. Some sites choose to teach classes once a week for eight weeks, others implement the program monthly or bi-monthly over a longer period of time.

Who is eligible for The Food Exploration Project? This program is designed to be implemented in an educational setting such as a classroom or afterschool program. Please see below for specific information about eligibility.

Do you offer training for The Food Exploration Project?  This program and its accompanying materials are designed to be implemented without in-person training. All instructions Spoons Across America’s philosophy and methodology are included in The Food Exploration Project Curriculum Guide and Manual.

What materials are included with the program? All of the information, lessons, and materials that your staff will need to implement The Food Exploration Project are included. (Sites provide food for lessons and paper goods). Materials include:

• Curriculum Guide with detailed lesson plans for each session
• Food Explorer Cooking Kit (with select cooking supplies for use in the program),
• Program template materials (parent letters, handouts for kids, etc.),
• Food and supply lists, and
• Additional lesson-related materials

Can we implement it with more than one group or location? YES! Once you receive curriculum materials, you are able to implement it with all groups and locations associated with your program. The Food Explorer Cooking Kit has enough materials for 1 class of 25 students, and most materials are reusable.