sweetgreen in schools: salad competition!

August 9, 2011

After two amazingly fun classes together, we were fortunate enough to host the fourth graders from Ketcham Elementary School at our Capitol Hill location on July 29 (see above photo). To recap, during the previous two meetings we learned about the health benefits of eating fruits and veggies from a rainbow of colors, and fun ways to integrate different plant parts into our diets. Upon arrival to our store, students were faced with an “iron chef”-like challenge. Using the knowledge from two previous classes, a wide range of ingredients and 15 minutes, they had to use their noggins to make their own Sweetgreen creation. Students were excited to finally take the initiative and taste-test different combinations of ingredients for their salads. They were surprised to find new ingredients like hearts of palm, red and green bell peppers and parmesan crisps!

A very special panel of judges joined us for the day: Allison Sosna, head chef of D.C. Central Kitchen; Nicolas Jammet, co-founder of Sweetgreen; Keith Williams, general manager of the Cap Hill Sweetgreen; and Monique Simmons, summer program coordinator at Ketcham Elementary. In their presentations, each group stated what colors they used in their salads, which plant parts were represented and why they believe their creation should reign supreme. One of our favorite responses was “We worked together to make this salad.”- a big thumbs up for group work! The judges tasted, scored and deliberated while the students eagerly anticipated the result. Congratulations to the young boys of Group 3 for a job well done! To finish off a hard day of work, students snacked on a much deserved treat- some cool and refreshing Sweetflow. The day ended up being an immense success and, most importantly, the students definitely had a great time.

We want to thank the students, Ketcham school administrators, Sweetgreen staff, D.C. Farm to School Network, Honest Tea, DCCK and all of our advocates for a wonderful summer. It is with your encouragement and support that Sweetgreen in Schools has been able to develop and grow. Time to get excited for the fall!

-Phoebe K

One group debates about what to include in their spinach salad: