With the coming of autumn, the students at Corpus Christi School are learning about healthy eating with the help of “Johnny Appleseed.” This folk hero and pioneer apple farmer in the 1800s was known to plant apple trees in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
“The students can relate to the folklore and stories to see how important the apple tree has become,” said Mary Ann Glusich, RN and School Based Health Program nurse. Glusich educated the students to include five servings of fruits and vegetables in their diets every day.
Apples were highlighted allowing students to learn about the benefits that apples can play in providing antioxidants for fighting diseases such any cancers and for boosting your immune system. The students where able to sample a variety of foods made with apples such as fresh apples, dehydrated apple chips, applesauce, apple juice and the “sometimes” treat, apple pie. They also each brought in an apple to be donated to Catholic Charities.
Principal Dick Taylor said, “As part of our healthy eating education, we are planning a “Kids Can Cook Healthy” program in conjunction with West Virginia Northern Community College Culinary Arts Program.”
“We are empowering students with the tools to lead healthy lifestyles. A healthy diet is just one those tools,” Glusich said.
The school has a tool box on display that contains fruits, vegetables, running shoes, yoga mat, and a prayer book. The students will all receive hands on activities and education in physical, mental and spiritual health. All of these programs are made possible through a grant from the Highmark Foundation.
Corpus Christi School is located in Wheeling at 1512 Warwood Avenue and enrolls students, preschool through eighth grade.