SnackTime Explorers:
an FFVP educational toolkit designed in collaboration with FRESHEALTH!
The SnackTime Explorers program is a series of adaptable mini-lessons designed to supplement educators who participate in the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (FFVP) program. FFVP brings fresh-cut produce to eligible schools, increasing exposure to and familiarity with fresh fruits and vegetables. SnackTime Explorers is curated to accompany the weekly FFVP produce deliveries in a fun and fresh way. Designed around the Food Education Standards, SnackTime Explorers acts as a guidepost to help students and educators build connections to food, each other, and their communities!
Inspire Student Curiosity During Snack Time!
SnackTime Explorers transforms classroom snack time into an exciting journey and exploration of new foods! This program has been thoughtfully designed with both students and educators in mind. Participating teachers receive an accessible framework to introduce new produce to their students, and students are provided with a developmentally appropriate structure that facilitates self and social awareness. Are you ready to become a SnackTime Explorer? Grab your binoculars and knapsack and try out our SnackTime Explorers Sample Lesson in your classroom or home today!
The SnackTime Explorers pilot program launched in over 30 Chicago Public School classrooms on January 11, 2023. K-3rd grade CPS students filled up their “Produce Passports” with everything from rutabagas to blood oranges, and grew in their understanding not just of produce, but also their own decision-making skills. Read more about the pilot program on our blog!
Bring SnackTime Explorers to your classroom in the 2024-25 school year!
Applications are now OPEN for 2024-25 SnackTime Explorers Lead Teachers! Learn more about the requirements for Lead Teachers here and visit our FAQ page to learn more about this exciting opportunity for FFVP teachers.
Lead Teachers are SnackTime Explorers teachers who implement SnackTime Explorers lessons in their class over a nine week period in the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, they will support at least two teachers at their school in implementing SnackTime Explorers and attend two Pilot Light professional development workshops during their time in the program. Lead Teachers also earn a $500 stipend for program participation. Learn more about becoming a Lead Teacher in the 2024-25 school year here and apply now through May 10, 2024!
Eligibility: while we enthusiastically extend our program to all FFVP districts, we are currently prioritizing the following in 2024-25:
- Conway Public Schools, AR
- Detroit Public Schools Community District, MI
- Indianapolis Public Schools, IN
- Monroe County Public Schools, IN
- Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, IN
- Memphis Shelby County Schools, TN
- Rochester City School District, NY
- School City of Hammond, IN
SnackTime Explorers is expanding!
Interested in bringing SnackTime Explorers to your classroom, school, or district? We’d love to talk to you! Through our joint White House Commitment, we are working hard to expand SnackTime Explorers to all FFVP districts by 2030. We need your help! If your district isn’t listed above, please fill out this interest form and we will be in touch with you ASAP! Thank you for your interest in bringing our program to your community.
Field Notes
Find the Latest SnackTime Explorers & FRESHEALTH partnership news here!
Pilot Light, FRESHEALTH, & the USDA join Puprika the Puppy Chef on a SnackTime Explorer Adventure!
Pilot Light & FRESHEALTH Advocate for Food Education in DC!
SnackTime Explorers Launches in CPS This Week!
Press
Our SnackTime Explorers pilot program launch in CPS made big headlines & even hit the airwaves! LISTEN to our feature on WBEZ’s RESET here and read about the launch in Farm Week Now, Perishable News, The Packer, AndNowUKnow, Blue Book Services, and Patch.com.
Questions? Email SnackTimeExplorers@pilotlightchefs.org.