The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s innovative C.H.E.R.R.Y. (Cultivating Healthy Environments and Revitalizing Resources for Youth) Pick Program recently made its 2024 debut at IDEA Bridge Charter School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, leaving a lasting impression on faculty, staff, and students alike. Designed to break new ground in nutrition education, the program’s impact extends well beyond the traditional scope of SNAP-Ed programming.
SNAP-Ed typically focuses on teaching individuals who use or are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits about proper nutrition, gardening, and strategies to make food dollars stretch further. These lessons often include physical activity and are frequently delivered directly to K-12 students. While this approach effectively builds healthier communities, the C.H.E.R.R.Y. Pick Program takes a unique and impactful direction by targeting educators instead of students.
Rather than delivering lessons directly to students, C.H.E.R.R.Y. Pick equips faculty and staff with essential knowledge about nutrition, physical activity, and gardening. By empowering the educators, the program ensures the continuation of these vital lessons long after the SNAP-Ed team has departed. “C.H.E.R.R.Y. Pick gives schools the tools to sustain health and wellness education,” said SNAP-Ed and C.H.E.R.R.Y. Pick Program Director Joshua McDonald. “Our goal is to create a ripple effect where healthy habits extend from teachers to students and, ultimately, to the wider community.”
At IDEA Bridge, the C.H.E.R.R.Y. Pick Program seamlessly integrated into the school’s environment, blending nutrition workshops with practical gardening sessions and physical activity demonstrations. Faculty and staff were trained in engaging, evidence-based methods to teach students about healthy living.
Danesha Shepherd, the Agriculture Teacher at IDEA Bridge, described the program’s impact: “Our students are more excited than ever about health and wellness because their teachers are leading by example. The gardening sessions have been especially impactful, helping students connect with their food and understand the importance of sustainability.”
The C.H.E.R.R.Y. Pick Program’s hands-on approach left students eager to participate in gardening projects and embrace healthier lifestyles. According to Shepherd, “We’ve seen a shift in how students view food and nutrition. They’re asking questions about what they eat and even sharing what they learn with their families. It’s amazing to see how this program has sparked a genuine interest in wellness.”
By fostering a culture of health and sustainability, C.H.E.R.R.Y. Pick ensures that the lessons of SNAP-Ed resonate far beyond the classroom. This innovative model highlights the importance of empowering educators to be leaders in wellness education, creating a sustainable framework for healthier communities.
The success of the C.H.E.R.R.Y. Pick Program at IDEA Bridge Charter School sets a precedent for other schools across Louisiana. By shifting the focus to educators, Southern University’s Agricultural Research and Extension Center has redefined how nutrition education can be delivered, making it both sustainable and impactful.
With the success of this program, the hope is that more schools will adopt this model, empowering teachers to champion health and wellness and inspiring students to make lifelong healthy choices. IDEA Bridge’s success story is a testament to the transformative power of education and community-focused initiatives like C.H.E.R.R.Y. Pick.
