Middle Gate Elementary School students learned about healthy food during a presentation called “FoodPlay” on Wednesday, April 8, presented by Chartwells K12 School Dining Services and FoodPlay Productions.

“FoodPlay” is a national award-winning theater show that features juggling, music, magic, and audience participation.

Giordan Diaz played the part of “Coach” in the production and Chrissy Basham played the part of “Janey,” who learned to make better food choices from Coach. The characters juggled and acted out different skits during the production to feature ways to eat healthier. As explained by Coach, Janey was training to join the National Junior Juggling Team, and Coach was in charge of overseeing her practice and her nutrition.

Coach explained that “go foods” are better for the body while “low foods” are best eaten occasionally.

“To be a winner,” Coach said, “it is best to fuel your body with mostly go foods.”

Later when Janey started eating a lot of junk food, Coach said, “Sugar gives her energy fast, but it is the kind of energy that doesn’t last.”

“FoodPlay” is also being presented at 21 other schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts thanks to the partnership between Chartwells and FoodPlay Productions.

As part of show, schools receive “FoodPlay’s,”’ comprehensive resource kits with follow-up materials to extend the nutrition education activities throughout the year.

As Middle Gate Lead Teacher Peggy Kennedy said when introducing “FoodPlay” to a gymnasium full of students on Wednesday, “It’s a special show.”

Ms Kennedy also told the students the show has toured the country and earned an Emmy Award, after the show was produced for TV.

Following the event, Chartwells resident dietician Jill Patterson, who attended the presentation, said, “‘FoodPlay’ was amazing. It reinforced nutrition messages that we are teaching in the classrooms and cafeterias in a fun and exciting way. It was awesome to see how engaged the students were.”