Clearwater McDonald's to Provide Lessons in Eating Healthy, Proper Food Prep to Local Students

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of McDonald's of Tampa Bay:

Clearwater McDonald’s Owner/Operator Juan Vasquez opens the doors to one of his local restaurants on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 to students from Carwise Middle School’s Service Learning Program.  

Students will be stopping at McDonald’s as one of three local business visits to learn about “Making Healthy Food Choices” through topics like portion sizes and dietary standards.  Visiting students will receive an exclusive behind-the-counter tour at the McDonald’s to learn about the wholesome menu options that McDonald’s offers, cooking and preparation techniques, fresh ingredients, and the importance of proper food safety, followed by a lunch that meets the nutritional standards they are learning.

“This is the third year that my organization has had the privilege of partnering with Carwise Middle School on the Service Learning Program and we are so honored to be a part of this great service and very proud of all that the students continue to accomplish for the community,” said Juan Vazquez, McDonald’s owner/operator. “Taking an active role in the community, which gives so much to us, is very important to me and the McDonald’s brand.” 

Created by Teacher and Kiwanis Builders Club Advisor, Cindy Bowen, the Service Learning Program aims to actively teach students healthy habits and processes, actively involving them in the greater community.  Through the program, the students orchestrate a canned goods drive to benefit FEAST Food Pantry in Palm Harbor, as well as design a “Making Healthy Food Choices” booklet and folder to pass along to the Pre-K students at Head Start in Clearwater.  The Program recently won $10,000 for FEAST Food Pantry as part of the Lead2Feed World Hunger Challenge.

“As we celebrate our fifth anniversary as a Service Learning class, it’s hard to believe we have planted the seed of service learning in 260 middle school students over the past four years, not including the more than 60 students taking the class over the next two semesters, which means they will be making their mark on the community through the service they are providing,” said Cindy Bowen, program creator and Carwise Middle School teacher. “What is great about this Service Learning elective that I have had the opportunity to design, is that I can bring skills from my own volunteer experiences and educational background together to share with the kids.  Each project and service team is like a ‘little business’.”