COME SEE WHAT SETS US APART!
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In 2015, in conjunction with a grant to participate in the Wake County Smart Start Farm-to-childcare program, JPLC began an ongoing movement to healthy eating. As part of our work with the Farm-to-childcare program we began adding at least 3 servings of fresh, local produce each week.
Over the course of the first year we were able to try a large variety of new items. As with anything new, some of those menu items were big hits (spaghetti squash & spinach, kale & orange salad, and tomato salad among our favorites), and some were not so popular (eggplant and beets for example). |
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We currently only serve juice 4-6 times a month, and have increased the water intake for most children. After our first year with the program we began introducing some healthy food ideas and options to families, in the way of healthy sample days.
Healthy sample days are days when a healthy food is prepared, we set up a station in the lobby where parents and children are encouraged to try some.
These recipes are shared with parents in print, and through the JPLC Pinterest page. We have increased the whole-wheat servings of grains and fresh produce.
Healthy sample days are days when a healthy food is prepared, we set up a station in the lobby where parents and children are encouraged to try some.
These recipes are shared with parents in print, and through the JPLC Pinterest page. We have increased the whole-wheat servings of grains and fresh produce.
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Over the past several years we have been growing many new things on the Outdoor Learning Environment and in our garden area. We also have a worm composting farm cared for by the children.
We have been very lucky with our cucumbers (our homemade pickles are delicious!), zucchini (not to brag, but our zucchini bread is amazing), basil (great for seasoning & pesto), and mint (added to water for flavor). The children have enjoyed our abundance of cherry tomatoes, grapes, bell peppers, and broccoli; all of which they consume while playing outside. |
We have grown okra, watermelon, kale, swiss chard, and a few others with limited success. We also have several fruit trees that should start to bear fruit soon.
The children love to help, and they seem to try more foods if they help grow them; which makes our garden very successful! Our garden will continue to expand to include more items we can serve as part of our menu.
The children love to help, and they seem to try more foods if they help grow them; which makes our garden very successful! Our garden will continue to expand to include more items we can serve as part of our menu.
CHECK OUT OUR
OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT!
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At Johnson Pond Learning Center we believe we have the best playground area for children in Fuquay Varina!
We have made some wonderful upgrades that began in 2012 and have been completed for a few years now. You can find a link regarding this project here. Whether our wonderful children are at play or involved in one of our many activities outlined above with our planting and growing fresh food they get many opportunities to enjoy this exciting outdoor experience. |
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