Here's a neat initiative we found out about from the folks at Kidcom.com, an education-focused youth virtual world that we started checking out last year. Kidscom is working with the Michigan State Nutrition Network, the Michigan State University and the 4-H Children's Gardens to create a virtual experience that can help counteract childhood obesity. What is interesting is how this project is bringing together health issues, nutrition, and community gardening, through the virtual activities:
Understanding the relationship between growing food in school and community gardens and making nutritional food choices the alliance will use the virtual world and social media to educate kids as they play. The expertise gained in their virtual garden experience will also support their ability to be successful real gardeners and farmers growing vegetables and fruits in their own neighborhoods.
The experience will combine virtual world play and YouTube social media in a garden simulation that will tie in with school and community garden programs to teach about growing plants, plant issues, nutrition and food preparation. Using recipes from the USDA recipe database and other public sources, kids will be able to take their virtual produce and practice making healthy virtual meals. I like this orientation toward the community, food production and nutrition, which seems more holistic and systemic than programs that deals with these in isolation.
See the full press release for more info.
