WANDA Teams Up with National Farm to School Network for a Healthier Tomorrow

In a significant move towards enriching food education for the younger generation, WANDA (Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics & Agriculture) has announced a partnership with the National Farm to School Network (NFSN). This collaboration was unveiled during the 10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, fitting under the inspiring theme, "Rooted in Culture, Forward into the Future."

WANDA's initiatives focus on transforming the educational landscape around food through an engaging edutainment approach. This year, Little WANDA, the organization’s initiative, aims to instill a passion for healthy eating, instilling joy in reading, and fostering future leaders among youth. This partnership emerges at a critical time amidst anticipated cuts to SNAP-Ed and Farm to School funding, which threaten vital resources for over 25 million children in the U.S. who depend on school meals and nutritional guidance.

Tambra Raye Stevenson, the founder of WANDA, expressed the essence of this collaboration by stating, "Our partnership with the National Farm to School Network is about restoring the dignity, joy, and justice in how our children learn to appreciate food. We aim to empower young learners with the knowledge of where their food comes from, honor those who cultivate it, and reflect on the stories, flavors, and traditions that nourish us. Every child deserves an education rooted in culture, and together, we’re planting that future."

Miguel Villareal, Interim Executive Director of NFSN, added, "We are thrilled to collaborate with WANDA. This partnership allows us to bring Little WANDA's dynamic storytelling to life at the conference. Together, we will redefine children's nourishment, connecting their cultural backgrounds, community ties, and healthy food with local farmers and producers who share our values. This emphasizes the stories that inspire learning and leadership while providing a deeper understanding of our food systems and their significance."

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in WANDA's World, where vegetables take on personalities, and educational music serves as the backbone of nutrition awareness. The workshop will showcase how WANDA uses engaging methods, such as music and storytelling, to captivate children’s interest and enhance their food curiosity, while also reinforcing their sense of belonging. Through rhythmic activities and character-driven storytelling, children transition from disinterest to intrigue, moving from "I don’t like that!" to "Ooooh, what’s THAT?"

WANDA's exhibit promises to bring the edutainment universe alive, encouraging youth to discover how the tales of Little WANDA can bolster both farm-to-health literacy and social-emotional learning. In an era where food education is critical yet often overlooked, WANDA, alongside the National Farm to School Network, is poised to make a transformative impact on the lives of future generations, inspiring children to establish a deeper connection with their food and the community around them.

The significance of initiatives like those spearheaded by WANDA cannot be overstated. As we continue to navigate challenges within the nutritional landscape, such collaborations serve not just as a remedy but as a movement towards a healthier, more equitable future for children across the nation. With hands-on learning, cultural pride, and community involvement at its core, this partnership sets a powerful precedent for what is possible when organizations unite with a common purpose. WANDA and NFSN are planting the seeds of change, cultivating not only healthier individuals but also a healthier community environment for all.