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Project," says Fernando. "I feel strongly about
local produce. Our cooking curriculum for ages
7-12 is all seasonal and we learn what's in
season in Virginia."
Her aim in creating these alliances within the
food community is to educate children about
food choices and in understanding where their
produce comes from.
"kids will eat anything
good, and if it's grown
locally, it will taste bet-
ter on average than food
from afar," she says. "I've
seen this with my own kids
and we hope people will
jump on board with this."
Fernando's idea of
combining a pediatric
practice with nutrition and food education has
no blueprint to follow, but she's enjoying the
process. Right now, she's brainstorming a paja-
ma party idea for a Saturday morning workshop
where kids can learn to make a healthy breakfast.
"So many kids don't get a healthy break-
fast—some don't even get breakfast at all," she
exclaims. "but research show that there are
cognitive benefits to eating breakfast.
"The whole point is to have fun."
Chris Jones is a contributing writer for
Fredericksburg Parent.
