Moncrief Army Clinic Nutrition Team Brings “Eat the Rainbow” to Life at PTES

Pierce Terrace Elementary School (PTES) students received a vibrant, engaging lesson on healthy living as part of National Nutrition Month, thanks to a special visit from the Moncrief Army Clinic Nutrition Team. Led by CPT Allison Martin, along with 1LT Denise Mark and SPC Leticia Schulz, the team introduced students to the concept of “eating the rainbow,” a fun and practical way to understand balanced nutrition.

March marks National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign launched in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to promote healthy eating and informed food choices. What began as a week-long observance has since grown into a month-long initiative that encourages individuals of all ages to build lifelong healthy habits. At PTES, this message came to life through interactive lessons tailored for young learners.

CPT Martin’s presentation captivated students as she explained how different colored fruits and vegetables support the body in unique ways. From red foods that promote heart health to green vegetables that strengthen bones and provide energy, students discovered that a colorful plate is key to a healthy lifestyle.

The excitement was evident as 1LT Mark engaged students with simple but meaningful questions. “Who likes food? What is your favorite food?” she asked. Students eagerly responded with a chorus of answers, calling out favorites such as carrots, watermelon, zucchini, and squash—demonstrating both enthusiasm and growing awareness of nutritious options.

Following the presentation, students participated in hands-on activities designed to reinforce what they had learned. Creating colorful food diagrams and discussing real-life food choices helped students connect classroom learning to everyday habits.

PTES staff noted how well the nutrition team connected with students. “The kids really enjoyed it. They did a good job,” said kindergarten teacher Amanda Hammond. First-grade teacher Heather Mihuta added, “That was fun.”

For Universal Prekindergarten teacher Jodina Tyson, the lesson aligned perfectly with ongoing classroom efforts. “We talk about healthy eating during lunch every day [during the family-style dining program],” she shared, highlighting how the visit strengthened existing routines and reinforced positive behaviors.

The Moncrief Army Clinic team’s ability to engage students went beyond instruction. Their interactive approach created an environment where students felt comfortable participating, asking questions, and exploring new ideas about food and health.

Through the “Eat the Rainbow” initiative, students learned:

• Red foods like strawberries and tomatoes support heart health.
• Orange and yellow foods such as carrots and bananas boost vision and immunity.
• Green foods, including spinach and broccoli, strengthen bones and provide energy.
• Blue and purple foods like blueberries and grapes support brain function and memory.
• White foods such as cauliflower and garlic help strengthen the immune system.

By connecting these concepts to everyday choices, the lesson emphasized that healthy eating is both accessible and enjoyable.

The visit served as a meaningful reminder that building healthy habits starts early. By combining education with hands-on experience, the Moncrief Army Clinic Nutrition Team helped PTES students see nutrition not as a set of rules, but as a colorful and empowering part of daily life.

Pierce Terrace Elementary extends its sincere appreciation to CPT Allison Martin, 1LT Denise Mark, SPC Leticia Schulz, and the entire Moncrief Army Clinic Nutrition Team for their dedication to promoting lifelong wellness among students.