About Us
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.
We believe that all children have the right to access nutritious food and learn about healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. With your support, we can make a difference and empower the next generation of healthy eaters.
A Message From Our National Spokesperson
-Jacques Pepin
“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.”
To accomplish our mission, Spoons Across America:
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Provides a network for sharing information and resources among culinary professionals, educators, parents, and guardians
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Runs programs in schools, health care organizations, and community-based organizations.
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Supports programs through curriculum development, technical assistance, and capacity building
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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 opportunities to explore and prepare new and nutritious foods, will be more likely to eat in a healthy way.
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.
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.