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.
September 7, 2022
By PilotLight
Pilot Light Supports HB 4813
In June, Illinois Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 4813 into law. Prior to this bill, school districts in the state that participated in the National School Lunch Program (a federal program that reimburses school districts that are serving free and reduced lunches to qualifying students) were required to enter into food service contracts with the
Read More >>September 1, 2022
By PilotLight
Pilot Light Kicks Off A New School Year by Welcoming 25 Food Education Fellows to Institute!
Pilot Light kicked off August with our two-day Summer Institute, the first professional development session for our 2022-23 Food Education Fellows. Fellows were introduced to our Food Education Standards and learned how to make experiential food education a part of classroom learning. We also welcomed two guests speakers, including Chef Jessica Pamonicutt, who shared the
Read More >>By PilotLight
USDA FNS Administrator Cindy Long Visits Pilot Light
This week, Pilot Light was honored to welcome Administrator Cindy Long from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) to visit one of our Chicago classrooms to get a first-hand look at Pilot Light’s engaging food education in action. Administer Long was touring the work that the USDA FNS does
Read More >>July 20, 2022
By PilotLight
Pilot Light’s Associate Board Welcomes Thirteen Members
Pilot Light’s Associate Board The Associate Board raises awareness of and funds for Pilot Light by promoting their food education programs. In addition, members support Pilot Light by: Cultivating relationships. Engaging others via social media, in social functions, and events. Volunteering for Pilot Light. Recruiting New Associate Board Members In April, Pilot Light’s Associate Board
Read More >>June 6, 2022
By PilotLight
FRESHFARM Becomes the Latest Organization to Adopt Pilot Light Food Education Standards
In 2018, after receiving a grant from the USDA Farm to School program, Pilot Light was invited to speak at their annual grantee gathering in Detroit. The 150 attendees heard our Director of Education deliver a presentation centered on our Food Education Standards, the first-ever nationwide recommendations for food education. Since then, Pilot Light has
Read More >>May 6, 2022
By PilotLight
With Pilot Light, Food Education is Part of Everyday Learning
Teachers Make Food Education Part of Everyday Learning with Pilot Light’s Fellowship Launched in 2019, Pilot Light’s Food Education Fellowship is a year-long professional development and leadership experience for a cohort of PreK-12 teachers from across the country. Through the program, teachers build capacity and skills to make important food education part of everyday learning
Read More >>April 28, 2022
By PilotLight
Pilot Light’s Food Education Fellowship Earns Rave Reviews from Teachers
Launched in 2019, Pilot Light’s Food Education Fellowship is a year-long professional development and leadership experience for a cohort of PreK-12 teachers from across the country. The program is designed to build teacher capacity and skill to make important food education part of everyday learning for their students. Guided by Pilot Light’s Food Education Standards,
Read More >>March 31, 2022
By pilotlight@dmin
Join the Pilot Light Associate Board!
At Pilot Light, we believe food education is vital to student development, and since 2010, our teacher-driven approach has supported Pre-K-12 students with food education that is part of everyday learning and fosters informed food choices. Pilot Light’s Associate Board is excited to announce that they are actively recruiting new members! Learn more about
Read More >>March 29, 2022
By PilotLight
Chef Demo: Food, Culture and Mental Health
Creating Impact through a Chef Demo Charlotte, NC teacher (and Pilot Light Food Education Fellow) Ashley Sandoval hosted a magical event for her 9th grade Holistic Fitness students by using Pilot Light’s framework to create a food-based lesson. Her students are learning about food cultures that reflect their own identities and making connections with chefs
Read More >>February 24, 2022
By PilotLight
Partnership Spotlight: Baltimore City Public Schools Farm to School Program
“I would love to have my students realize: …how food will affect their overall health – bodies/minds/teeth/energy …how to make better choices when surrounded by unhealthy options. …where their food comes from. …how we use food to bring people/communities together and learn from one another. I feel Pilot Light would be great to use in
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