#TWKatHome Activities

Welcome Back to School!

Welcome to TWKatHome, our fun, free online content that helps kids and families explore food and build positive, healthy eating habits. Each month, we will provide activities and ideas for ways to engage children as they learn about food and where it comes from.

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Fueling the School Year

The food we eat throughout the day can help give us energy, improve our concentration and memory, and help us stay strong and well. That is why it’s important to eat a variety of foods during the day. Especially important are fruits and vegetables as well as protein. Whole grains are important too - check out this fun guide and activities.

This month, we're focusing on activities to help you plan the most energizing meals for the school year. Check out our two activities below!

Let's Pack Our Lunchbox!

If you pack a food from the board in your lunch this month and eat it, mark it off. 5 in a row wins. Play with friends or family!

What other healthy foods did you eat in your lunch this month?

Write a Food Journal

A healthy and regular eating routine can bring balance to your digestion, help you sleep better, and help you to wake up refreshed. Write down the food you eat each day for a week. In addition, write down how you feel after eating and the times during the day when you feel hungry. At the end of the week, reflect on your eating routine. Are there changes to your meal routine you might want to try? You can use the questions below to guide your food journal.

Signs of Fall

Fall begins on September 22nd with the Autumn Equinox in the northern hemisphere. Celebrate the changing season with a nature walk! Take note of at least 3 things you see that are a sign of autumn. Look high and low.

Lunchbox Bingo

Conversation Starters

  • How many meals do you eat a day? Which is the most important to you and why? 
  • Do you feel hungry before lunch? What could you eat for breakfast to nourish you for the whole morning?
  • What do you pack in your lunchbox? Do you feel hungry before dinner time? What could you add to your lunch to help nourish you and provide you with energy for the afternoon.
  • What are your favorite whole foods or unprocessed snacks?
  • What are your favorite meals for dinner? 
  • What is the last thing you usually eat before bed?
paw paws

Grown in Baltimore

September 15th is National Paw Paw Day

Have you ever tried a paw paw? This small tree in the apple custard family tastes kind of like a mango and banana combined. Paw paws are native to Maryland, and while once a staple fruit, and then a forgotten fruit, they are now making a come back at some Maryland farms, such as  Two Boots Farm, Deep Run Farm, and Long Creek Homestead (host of the Annual Paw Paw Festival)

Keep your eye out for paw paws this month, as the harvest season does not last long!

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th-October 15th

Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Cost Rica celebrate Independence Days on September 15th.  The diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of the Latinx community are recognized throughout the month. 

Enjoy this collection of Latin American recipes!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: 33 Meals To Love

Recipes in Spanish

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal and Vegetarian Tofu Ceviche - Avena con manzana y semillas - Ceviche de soya

Tune in to Chef Story time on September 13th with Audiel Vera from Avenue Kitchen and Bar.

Chef Story Time with Audiel Vera

Book Recommendations

  • Tomatoes in My Lunchbox by Costantia Manoli tells the story of a young girl who recently immigrated to a new country where she experiences the difficulties of not fitting in and feeling out of place.
  • Call Me Tree - Llamame Arbol by Maya Christina Gonzalez honors the beauty, strength, and diversity of trees and humanity in this bilingual picture book.
  • Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match - Marisol McDonald No Combina by Monica Brown tells the story of a vibrant, creative, imaginative girl who loves peanut butter and jelly burritos. This bilingual story emphasizes the messages to “be yourself”, and “you’re wonderful just the way you are.”
  • Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull tells the story of Cesar’s life, struggles, successes, and peaceful path in standing up for the basic rights of farm workers.
Tomatoes in my Lunchbox book cover
Call Me Tree book cover
Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match book cover
Harvesting Hope book cover