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Students, Shoppers Surprised That Food Safety Can Be “Fun”


Published:
October 14, 2010

In response to teacher Devitta Baker’s online request, the USDA Food Safety Discovery Zone traveled to Gwynn Park Middle School in Brandywine, Maryland this past Tuesday. From 8:30 a.m. until noon, the Discovery Zone staff taught 132 students and 16 teachers and parents how to Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill—just in time to use their new food safety knowledge at lunch.

The favorite feature for the Gwynn Park Middle Schoolers was the Food Safety Wheel Game, and the visit was considered a huge success despite some early doubt among the students. One student commented, “I didn’t think I was going to like it, but I learned about bacteria and it was fun!”

The fun continued the following day for the Discovery Zone staff as they reached out to consumers at the Shoppers Food Warehouse at Vista Gardens Marketplace in Bowie, Maryland. Before the exhibit was fully set up until the very last minute before closing, shoppers wandered over to see what the “big yellow truck” was all about. Hundreds of families, with children big and small, visited the Discovery Zone and tried their luck at the Food Safety Wheel Game. Those who correctly answered Be Food Safe questions won reusable grocery bags provided by Shoppers.

The FSDZ looks forward to its trip to the 71st annual Arkansas State Fair on October 16. From 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., CDT, food safety fun will be provided at the largest and most visited entertainment event in the Natural State. For Arkansans unable to make the fair, the Discovery Zone will also be stopping at the Kroger store located at 2509 McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, Arkansas, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. CDT on October 17.

Educators, grocery store owners, and anyone else concerned about food safety awareness can request a visit from the USDA Food Safety Discovery Zone here. If you don’t get a chance to see the exhibit yourself, you can still follow its travels via Facebook and Twitter.

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