I must admit when I arrived back at my air-conditioned office last Wednesday after spending the day at Kid’s Ag Day, it felt good to sit down. The cool early morning temperatures gave way to a hot day, but that did not take away from the fun learning experienced by 4th graders in Barton County. Fourth grade is the perfect age for kids to learn about where their food and other products they use daily come from. The station that my team member, Monique, and I manned for the day emphasized the importance of adding whole grains and other nutritious foods to the diet. We also provided a snack of animal crackers and a serving of 100% fruit juice.
Fourth graders are old enough to learn about reading a nutrition fact label, found on food products. During our short session we talked about looking for whole wheat or another whole grain as the first ingredient and making sure that the food had very little added sugar. I know when we had young kids at home, our rule was that they could choose cereal that had seven grams or less of sugar in a serving. That is a harder assignment than you might think. Many of the popular cereals advertised today have upwards of fifteen or more grams of sugar per serving. And then what about the person who fills an enormous cereal bowl with two cups of cereal? You will need to double the amount of sugar that is consumed. Yikes!
Another benefit of eating whole grains is the amount of fiber that contributes to healthier bodies. A feeling of fullness and healthy elimination are achieved when we consume around 30 grams of fiber each day. Our demonstration showed how fast a slice of white bread disintegrates when dipped in water and how the 100% whole wheat slice held together.
Besides talking about eating whole grains, we had Kassie Linsner, from Hoisington, visit with the 4th graders about joining 4-H. It’s always good to see our young people sharing what they are passionate about.
Hats off to our Great Bend Chamber for putting together such a well-planned event. In it’s 28th year, many of the volunteers have helped lead a session or demonstration every year. I know I appreciated the help of June, Imogene, Aleta, Marilyn, and Kay who served the snacks.
Short after the calendar turns to October the Hays area 4th graders will be treated to a similar event. Their Kid’s Ag Day is sponsored by Farm Bureau on October 5th. Stacy Campbell, a Cottonwood District Ag and Natural Resources Agent, will have a station teaching young people about corn and the many by products they use daily.
I’m so glad we live in communities that value and promote the farming community and want our young people to develop an appreciation as well!
Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research & Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620) 793-1910 or [email protected] K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.