Charles R. Drew Charter School was the first school to receive the Small Bites Adventure Club Taste Test Box . In fact, we piloted our these very first food education kits in 2018 with four teachers. We have proudly continued to serve their teachers and students for four years— even during virtual learning!

Charles R. Drew Charter School was the first public charter school to open in Atlanta back in 2000. Drew Charter School proudly acknowledges Dr. Charles R. Drew, and his legacy of noble courage and outstanding innovation with an emphasis on Project-Based Learning (PBL), STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education, and a foundation in literacy.

We interviewed Drew Charter School Cox Pre-K Coordinator Nicole Tuttle to learn more.

SB: Nicole, tell us about the Cox Pre-K program.

DC: Cox Pre-K is part of Drew Charter School in the East Lake Community. We have 4 classrooms with 13 staff members and 88 students. We have been serving 4 year olds in our community for 15 years.

SB: Why did your Pre-K program choose to participate in Small Bites Adventure Club? How does it help you meet your goals or strategy around learning and nutrition?

DC: We wanted to expose kids to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. We also wanted them to understand that the produce on their plate comes from a farm and sometimes not far from where they live. Our students also love to be part of the cooking process. They are eager to help chop, stir, mix and then, of course, taste!

SB: Tell us about your school. What makes it special?

DC: Cox Pre-K is the demonstration site for the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy. We work to ensure that all students have a strong foundation of language and literacy to ensure they are kindergarten ready and on a path to reading success!

SB: What impact has Small Bites Adventure Club had on your students and teachers?

DC: Many students who are hesitant to try new fruits and vegetables are more likely to try because their friends and teachers are also trying. As the year goes on, our pickiest eaters eventually want to be part of the experience. And, often find they really enjoy these new tastes. And surprisingly, some of our staff has also become a little more adventurous. Our students also now understand that food doesn't come from a grocery store, it is actually grown on a farm. And in some cases, right down the street. Our kids were able to visit Love is Love Farm, a farm that provided some of the vegetables that they were able to try.

SB: Storytime! Tell us about a time that Small Bites changed the way a child (or even grown-up) experienced a new food.

DC: Actually, just this week, we prepared the carrots and Green Goodness Dip recipe. One of our pickiest eaters —he has never tried any of the prior recipes —decided he would taste this one. And to his surprise, he really liked it. We have lots of stories like this. It is the reason why we continue to participate in the program.

We were even able to work with Small Bites to do virtual tastings while our kids were learning virtually. Families came to school to pick up the kits and then logged into zoom for a tasting. It was a great way to connect even though we were not altogether.

SB: Thank you Nicole and Drew Charter School for your commitment to creating opportunities for students to discover, eat, and love fruits and vegetables!

Learn more about Drew Charter School at their website here or visit their Instagram profile @drewcharterschool.