Kindergarten Teacher in Syracuse, NY
McKinley-Brighton Elementary
2024-25 Fellow: Elizabeth Dupra has been teaching for 22 years in the same school. She first became interested in the Food Education Fellowship when her school’s administrative intern mentioned it to their staff. Elizabeth loves working with food and knows she will love teaching her little ones the benefits of healthy, great tasting foods. After teaching kindergarten for 22 years, she knows that the children are so eager to learn. She knows they will love learning about cooking and all the other things she will teach them about food.
Favorite Food Education Standard:
I would say that #7 (we can advocate for food choices and changes that impact ourselves, our communities, and our world) stands out to me. Since I teach kindergarten, the children are not able to make food choices at their homes. I feel that if we can get the young children excited about healthy foods, they will bring that knowledge home and could make a positive change for their families and the community. They will learn how their choices effect them and the community they live in. They can hopefully go to different stores and see the different choices.
A Favorite Food Memory or Recipe:
My fondest memories are learning to cook/bake with my mother when I was little. We had a wonderful time and I learned so much. It can be such a wonderful experience when you combine enjoyment and cooking. We have a food program through Wegmans Grocery Store that supplies different snacks each day for the kids. They are fruit and vegetables most of the kids have never tried. They really enjoy trying new items.
What I’m Most Excited About as a New Fellow:
I am very grateful to be in the program this year because I feel that if we start teaching the children at a young age, they will make better choices as they get older. I am hoping to pass on my love of food and nutrition and help them feel the same excitement.
