Since 2010, we have supported Pre-K-12 students with Food Education that is part of teachers’ classrooms and fosters informed food choices.
See the Impact
Pilot Light is now accepting applications for our 8th Annual Food Education Fellowship: a yearlong professional development program for PreK-12 educators looking to grow their teaching practice through Food Education.
Every student deserves access to hands-on Food Education. Now, you can discover the incredible impact of your support by reading our latest Impact Report. Learn how Pilot Light teachers and students are creating a better food system future everyday!
Your gift in any amount supports Food Education in classrooms and communities throughout the year.
If your company matches gifts to nonprofits like Pilot Light, here are easy instructions on how to double the impact of your gift. We also have instructions on how to make a gift of stock.
We welcome you to sign up for our newsletter, contact us, and check out our blog!
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about Food Education and creating impact through our programs to join our team!
Jun
22
Quiz for a Cause at Pilot Project
7:00 PMPilot Project Brewing - 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Pilot Light SnackTime Explorers Associate @chella_eats takes on TUNA FISH for the Try It Challenge! 🐟
NEXT UP: @leahgordon34 @chicagobearshistory @jasonhammel 👀 Join the challenge by trying something you don’t like/haven’t tried before, record your honest reaction, and post your video tagging 3 other friends to take the challenge with you!
JOIN THE CHALLENGE:
😋 Pick Your Food: Do you hate mushrooms? Get the ick from okra? Grossed out by tofu? Maybe you just need to TRY IT!
Pro Tip: Ask a friend or family member to prepare their favorite version of the food you pick to make the sampling even more fun OR visit a local restaurant with your “Try It” item on the menu and order it from a professional!
😋 Record Your Reaction: Make a video (short or long, whatever fits your style) recording your honest reaction to trying the food you picked. You don’t have to like it, but try to keep an open mind while you TRY IT – you might be surprised!
😋 Share Your Video: Don’t forget to tag us @pilotlightchefs AND be sure to tag at least 3 friends to take the challenge next!
Bonus: Visit our website www.pilotlightchefs.org and download the digital “I Tried It!” Sticker to add to your video!
The TRY IT CHALLENGE is all about having fun, trying new things, and raising awareness for Pilot Light’s mission to bring hands-on Food Education into classrooms across the country. Learn more and get involved at www.pilotlightchefs.org 💚
#foodies #foodeducation #tryingnewfoods #challenge
⭐ Today`s Fellow Friday spotlight is on: Sarah Pritts!
🌱 Sarah is a member of the first "Feeding Futures" 2-year teaching cohort, a group of educators dedicated to bringing food and agriculture education to students across the state of Illinois. Currently, the Feeding Futures fellows are working on designing a new curriculum grounded in Pilot Light`s Food Education Standards that will offer students a comprehensive understanding of food, agriculture, and career pathways in these fields.
📣More About Sarah Pritts:
Sarah Pritts has been teaching for over 20 years from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade for Decatur Public Schools. She currently teaches upper elementary (grades 4, 5, and 6) at Montessori Academy for Peace, which is one of the largest public Montessori programs in the country. Sarah first became interested in Feeding Futures with Pilot Light during conversation with colleagues about opportunities to grow the agriculture program in their district.
Sarah has a degree in elementary education from Millikin University, a Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of Illinois (Springfield), is Montessori certified, and is a National Board Certified Teacher (2023). When she is not in the classroom she enjoys traveling with family around the country for new adventures, especially to the National Parks. She is actively involved in STEAM in the Park, Expeditions in Education which provides professional development to teachers in the National Parks.
📻 Last year, Sarah guest starred on local radio station Now Decatur to talk all things Feeding Futures! Listen to the full interview here: https://nowdecatur.com/2025/10/07/listen-sarah-pritts-talks-ag-academy-programming-for-students-at-montessori-academy-for-peace/
👏Thanks for being a part of Pilot Light, Sarah!
#foodeducation #foodliteracy #agricultureeducation #teacherspotlight
