Today’s Parent Magazine, January 2009, p.20

Today’s Parent Turns 25

“What are the four food groups?” asks AFCY artist Sandra Tarantino. Hands shoot into the air. “Grains!” “Fruits and vegetables.” “Dairy.” “Meat and proteins.” Tarantino poses another question: “When we eat all these things, what do they help us do?”

This exchange in teacher Gordon Dove’s grade-two class was part of the creative process that transformed the dull primary lunchroom at Dennis Avenue Community School in Toronto into a stunning space.

With the help of Arts for Children, a charitable organization based in Toronto, and Today’s Parent, 19 students designed and painted a mural that creatively spotlights healthy eating and healthy activities.

Tarantino worked closely with the kids as they developed their ideas. Students sketched healthy foods and combined them with their favourite activity or sport. “We all learned about healthy living, like going to bed early and eating healthy food,” says student Nyiesha.

Principal Karen Madarasz says the lunchroom’s new look is having an impact. “The kids are sharing more. They’re talking more about healthy living. They’re socializing more with each other.”

The project kicks off the Today’s Parent 25th anniversary celebration, which focuses on making Canada a healthier place for kids. Images from the mural were used to create our anniversary logos.

To see our anniversary logos come to life, watch the video or view the slideshow of Dennis Avenue Community School’s lunchroom makeover.