State health department CHOP program earns national, state media attention

Courtesy Colorado Public Radio

The Colorado health department Cooking up Healthy Options with Plants (CHOP) program is a three-year program for child care providers funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The goal is to increase the consumption of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables and/or on-site garden produce by children in care. 

Hear about some of what we do from this these broadcasts: 

PBS News Hour: These Colorado Preschoolers Learn Hands On Farming to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Colorado Public Radio Broadcast: To Keep Kids from Dodging Veggies Colorado Wants to Hook 'em Young.

CHOP strategies include:

• Grow it, Try it, Like it! garden-based nutrition education curriculum
• Taste tests
• Local purchasing of in-season fruits and vegetables
• Staff culinary training and coaching
• Family and community activities
• On-site gardening activities

To learn more, go to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.