The Louisiana Harvest of the Month program at Welsh Elementary School is encouraging students to adopt healthier eating habits by trying new foods and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diets.

Teacher Shelby Nunez said the initiative utilizes locally grown agricultural products, like organs and broccoli. A new product is introduced to students each month.

“The main goal is to hopefully get the students to try new foods, widen their taste buds and encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables,” Nunez said. “Many students spend their time playing video games and eating junk food. We want to give them a healthier choice.”

Many of the foods, including carrots and broccoli, are served in the school’s cafeteria.

The LSU AgCenter sponsored program provides hands-on opportunities for students to explore, taste and learn about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and staying active. It also educates students about farming and local agricultural products.

The AgCenter provides supporting materials like posters, a monthly newsletter, color sheets and other educational resources to reinforce what students learn about the products. Recipes, produce tips and fun facts are also included in the material.

“The AgCenter provides everything,” Nunez said. “All the school has to do is purchase the food from a local source like a farm or local store.”

The produce is purchased with a donation from a local businessman.

Nunez noted the program has exceeded her expectations.

On Thursday, students in grades pre-kindergarten to fifth grade tried raw broccoli, many for the first time. Student reactions were mixed.

“I didn’t like the texture, it felt weird,” Addyson Gaspard, 10, said after trying broccoli for the first time.

Gaspard said she would like to try it cooked or with ranch flavored dip.

Eleven-year-old Emory Abdalla enjoyed the raw broccoli, but found it “kind of dry,” noting he is accustomed to eating it cooked.

Sydney King, 10, likes broccoli both raw and cooked.

Audra Ardoin, 11, remained unsure about raw broccoli, even with ranch dip.

“I like it better with melted cheese,” she said. “That’s how I eat it at my grandmother’s.”

The cheese enhances the broccoli’s flavor, she said.

The students were able to vote on whether they liked, disliked or loved the broccoli.

Teacher John Gay shared that his favorite way to enjoy broccoli is cut up with carrots and celery and served with ranch dip.

“It’s better than chips,” he said, stressing the importance of fruits and vegetables for providing essential vitamins.