Bulldog News

Talk generates food awareness

Thursday, April 16, 2009

A Harvard University nutritionist provided Hillside students with a view beyond the dinner plate in an April 7 lunch time presentation about food literacy.

Theresa McCulla, director of Harvard University’s Food Literacy Project, provided members of the Hillside community with greater understanding about the sources and reasons behind good nutrition. McCulla was invited to the school by Head Chef Michael Stone.

“Part of our goal is to get people thinking about how they can feed their body in a positive and nutritious way,” explained McCulla. “For instance, if the food on your plate is colorful, chances are it contains a healthy assortment of fruits and vegetables which is good for your body.”

McCulla also noted how the food literacy project teaches Harvard students about the most enjoyable and safe methods for food preparation. “We’ve had classes on how to cook meat the right way or making sushi – we want people to realize that cooking food can be fun,” she said.

The Harvard administrator encouraged Hillsiders to give serious thought to the sources of their food, as well. “Think about where your food comes from,” she said. “Are your vegetables grown on farms where the workers are treated humanely? Are your grains grown pesticide-free? Such considerations are important.”

Finally, McCulla advocated against food waste. “By some estimates, one quarter of the food we eat is wasted,” she said. “But if we are careful about what we eat – which includes choosing portions that are right for us – then less food will simply be thrown away.”

Following McCulla’s talk, Hillside School Associate Headmaster Art Goodearl pointed out Hillside’s own efforts regarding both nutrition and the environment. “We’ve strived to do a good job with issues like recycling, energy conservation and nutritional awareness,” he said. “And we’ll continue to encourage students to use food wisely.”

Theresa McCulla (left), project administrator of Harvard University’s Food Literacy Project, and Hillside School Head Chef Michael Stone.