Program takes students into the PISD kitchens

By Cheryl Black

Special to the Pflag

Pflugerville ISD and Aramark, the district’s food service provider, will once again partner to bring nutrition education to Pflugerville students via the Chef Patrick’s Pals program.

The Texas Department of Agriculture on Aug. 16 announced $414,000 has been awarded to 112 school campuses and community organizations through its Nutrition Outreach Program. Pflugerville ISD campuses and Aramark’s Chef Patrick’s Pals were among grant recipients.

The Nutrition Outreach Program was created to help fund better health and nutrition practices to prevent obesity among Texas children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that in 2008, 19.6 percent of children nationwide ages 6-11 were obese.

“Our district and food service department are always looking for new ways to reach students and their parents – to make them aware of the importance of making healthy choices,” said Jessica Hendrick Scanlon, a PISD Food Services spokesperson.

Chef Patrick Sandoval, for whom the program is named, developed Chef Patrick’s Pals last year while working with students at Kelly Lane Middle School. He seized an opportunity to bring students into the kitchen and educate them about healthy eating habits. The program quickly expanded to include health events at schools throughout the district.

Instead of using textbooks, Sandoval engages students through energetic demonstrations that emphasize the importance of healthy eating, the easy preparation of nutritious food and possibly most convincing, the taste.

Since the program began, students have begun to recognize Chef Patrick as a local celebrity, often stopping him to talk about their latest healthy meal, Sandoval said.

Parents, it seems, also see Sandoval as a positive influence. When he encounters families in the community, said Sandoval, parents report that their children come home requesting different, healthier meals. Many parents are obliging, thus changing the eating habits of a whole family.

Another, indirect result of Chef Patrick’s Pals is increased participation in the Go For More! program, which allows elementary school students who purchase school lunches to each have a free second helping of fruits and vegetables.

On the menu for Sandoval’s demonstrations in 2010-11 are a vegetable stir-fry that can be prepared in less time than it takes to microwave a pre-made dinner, as well as homemade salsa and pico de gallo. Each demonstration includes a tasting and take-home recipe card.

For families trying to eat healthier, Sandoval offers simple advice: “Buy leaner cuts of meat and eat more fruits and vegetables.” Both practices, Sandoval says, can improve your health and provide more nutritional bang for your buck.

Sandoval hopes to reach at least 30,000 students and parents during the current school year. The program is available at schools using Aramark food service, which includes all of Pflugerville ISD. Parents interested in having Chef Patrick’s Pals at their child’s school should contact their principal to express their interest.

Chef Patrick’s Pals costs no more than 20 cents per participant and is funded by Aramark.