Many Oak Grove Elementary students tried spinach for the first time through the Chef 2 School program hosted Thursday, Jan. 19, by Chartwells School Dining Services, with dark green leafy vegetables serving as their monthly food focus. 

“I thought I didn’t like it, but I did,” first grader Lexi Walter commented about the vegetable pasta salad.

Food Services Director Dixie Harden and Executive Chef Angie Barnett make 14 classroom visits per month at the R-I district's elementary schools, and hope to be able to incorporate nutrition into more classroom lessons going forward. 

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Cutline: Student Madison Anderson is selected by teacher Paula Knight to serve as guest chef, helping to make a cold dish with Angie Barnett (left) and Dixie Harden of Chartwells.