Welcome to Pilot Light’s Feeding Minds blog! Here, we get to tell the story of Food Education through in-depth stories from our classrooms, partnership spotlights, new program announcements, and opinion pieces from guest authors and the Pilot Light team. Join us in exploring the power of food to connect, excite, and empower us to build a better future together.
July 6, 2016
By PilotLight
A Taste of Childhood: Pesto Pasta
Skeptical. Suspicious. Why are my noodles covered in this green GOOP? I wondered this nearly 20 years ago as I tasted my first forkful of pesto. Pleasantly surprised. My young taste buds do their best to decipher the flavors. A bit of salt. A bit of spice. Something entirely unfamiliar…(HINT HINT it’s basil). The texture.
Read More >>June 29, 2016
By PilotLight
Red, White, Blue (and Green!) Pancakes: A Healthy Twist on Your 4th of July Breakfast
By Brenna O’Dea “Can I have a side of spinach with my pancakes please?” Said no kid ever. Well we’ve got a secret ingredient that is sure to jazz-up, and health-up your 4th of July morning! These are some of the fluffiest, tastiest pancakes around, and you (and your kids) will never guess what we
Read More >>June 22, 2016
By PilotLight
Easy Ways to Curb Food Waste at Home
Americans throw out about $162 billion worth of food each year — which is nearly 40% of the food we grow and prepare in the U.S. in a year. According to NPR, that’s enough to fill 44 skyscrapers. Considering that about 70 percent of our water and 50 percent of our land is devoted to
Read More >>June 15, 2016
By PilotLight
Empowering Students and Communities
Now that school’s out, the kids might not be in their classrooms but they’re applying what they learned with Pilot Light every day. That’s because we’re not only teaching kids about where their food comes from but also how to make good decisions. The healthy choices these students make outside the classroom affect their bodies,
Read More >>June 8, 2016
By PilotLight
Mixing It Up: Making Your Own Trail Mix
Whether the kids are going out to summer camp or you’re looking for a healthy snack in the office, trail mix can give you a powerful pick-me-up outside the hiking trails. It’s convenient because it’s lightweight, easy to store, and full of nutrients. Trail mix is also a much healthier alternative to sugary snacks, which
Read More >>June 1, 2016
By PilotLight
Sugar: The Hidden Ingredient in Everything
Sure, sugar’s sweet. But in great quantities, it can be harmful to both your mind and body. After feeling a rush, sugar can quickly sap your energy. While the recommended daily intake of sugar per day is 9 teaspoons for men and 6 for women, the average American consumes about 22 teaspoons of sugar a
Read More >>May 25, 2016
By PilotLight
Food Education Embedded in Everyday Lessons
Because we are not an outside program, the food and nutrition education we provide is embedded in what the students are already learning through everyday subjects such as social studies, English, science, and math. Pilot Light provides teachers with the curriculum and materials they need to provide their students with food education lessons. As our
Read More >>May 18, 2016
By PilotLight
Yusho’s Ramen Battles: Thinking Outside the Kitchen
Ramen is not just for college students. While it may seem like a simple noodle dish, it offers the creative freedom to explore different broths and ingredients as well as flavors and textures. In the heart of Logan Square, Yusho Japenese Grill and Noodle House has been hostingmonthly ramen battles since February 2014 to allow
Read More >>May 11, 2016
By PilotLight
Tips to Buying Healthy Groceries on a Budget
Buying good, healthy food can get expensive quickly. But eating better while saving cash is still achievable — all it takes is a bit of planning and a culinary curiosity. Here are our top tips to help you shop smart. Plan your meals: Creating a meal plan can be simple and fun. You can break down
Read More >>May 4, 2016
By PilotLight
Picking Out Produce: Join Us at Green City Market
After plenty of April showers, many farmers markets are kicking off the season in May. But with a new season comes with a different rotation of fresh produce. Here’s a short guide that will help you know what fresh fruits and veggies should look, smell, or feel like. Asparagus: Look for firm stalks and compact
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