Approximately 400 Poplar Bluff High School students learned about tropical fruit common in Spanish speaking countries on Wednesday, Feb. 22, with over $600 from a state grant.

R-I Health Coordinator Sheryl Talkington secured the prevention and management of chronic conditions in schools funding—which focuses on physical activity, nutrition, asthma and chronic illnesses—from the Missouri Department of Health in cooperation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

Chartwells School Dining Services procured the fruit—papaya, mango, pineapple and kiwi—and Chef Angie Barnett helped prepare and serve.

“We are excited to be able to share what is probably unknown to many students,” said teacher Charley Harper, noting that he was fortunate to have three mango trees growing up. “These are fruit common to many of the countries we teach about in Spanish class.”

Instructor Maria Acevedo shared that in her home country of Puerto Rico, vehicles can stop along the side of the road and pick mangos from surrounding trees “for free,” she exclaimed. “Mangos hang on trees kind of like Christmas ornaments,” Acevedo said.

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Cutline: Spanish teacher Maria Acevedo and Chartwells Chef Angie Barnett prepare tropical fruit to serve to the class.