A letter to "The Chew" please notice Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers.

Because I have been retired from teaching since 2013, I watch T.V. while I sew.

I switch back and forth from favorites depending on who is on the show and what they are discussing. I watch "The Chew" often because they seem to be bringing back cooking in homes and the concept of "from scratch" in families lives.  

As a former Family and Consumer Sciences teacher (formerly know as Home Economics) cooking "from scratch" has never gone out for me personally.   In the last few years Family and Consumer Sciences has been in the news as there have been several articles across the nation in regards to "Bring back Home Economics".  Each time one of these articles come out the American Association of  Family and Consumer Sciences makes every effort they can to get the support of the media to share the continued education of food preparation through out the United States immersed in FACS programs.  The topic rarely gets the focus that it should.  Although the "Let's Move" program is great and vital, so is food and nutrition education.

Recently while watching "The Chew" I noticed them sharing ANOTHER NEW PROGRAM to help children learn how to cook using fresh ingredients.  It was fantastic!

But......I have a question, "Why is impossible for television media outlets to share what has existed for over 100 years in a positive light?"  "Why is it so difficult to showcase Family and Consumer Science Educators that have done fantastic work in the schools that they teach?"

Look at Karen Smith's class in Monticello, MN. She plants and grows food with her junior high students. She shows them how to prepare these foods.  Along with that she invites local farmers into her classroom to talk about their crops and teaches them how to use those products.

Look at Sara Martinez' class in the inner ring school, North St. Paul, MN (district 622) she teaches a Healthy Living course. That class  alternates with every other day with physical education.  Along with that students learn the importance of cooking with fresh products, eating at home and much more.

Dear Chew producers please look at Family and Consumer Sciences educators programs through out the United States. Please look at the good that they do and help us promote and share FACS work. These educators touch so many lives in a positive light and often give hope to those that couldn't find a calling until they worked with food.  These programs are nutrition based, culinary based and technique based and they are doing great things but often go unnoticed.  Please help your viewers notice!

With Love from your retired FACS teacher,
Jane