This episode is all about school food! More than 5 billion (with a B!) lunches are served in school across the United States every year. This food helps kids learn, helps the local economy and is integral to a day in the life of a kid. Tune in to hear from Mara Fleishman, the CEO of the Chef Ann Foundation, who align with our mission at ChopChop by working to provide fresh, healthy, delicious, cook from scratch meals that support the health of children and our planet to millions of kids all over the USA! We’ll also hear from Naomi Ward, a third grader who had a big idea about food waste at her school.

This month’s recipe: How about a Quesadilla after school?

Our featured "Check It Out" book is Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech. Follow us on Instagram for your chance to win our book giveaway.

Music in this episode includes modified versions of: "Cheesy Radio Ballad" and "Jazzy Inquisitors" by Lisa Hammer, "Kerplunk" by Mr. Smith, "Into Toast Squares" by Mole and "Strange Italian Song" by Juanitos.

Thank you to Frank and Colin for adding your voices to our show.

Want to hear yourself on air? Send a joke, a “did you know,” or anything else you’d like to share! Email us your recordings at podcast@chopchopfamily.org. Please include your name, age and your address. If we use your voice on the show we will send you a special gift.

If you’re enjoying the show and want even more great food content, follow us @chopchopkids.

Have a few minutes this July? Help us improve ChopChop Family! We’ve been on a mission for 15 years to teach and encourage kids to cook and eat real foods with their families. We want to be sure we’re delivering what your families need in a format and frequency that works for you. Please respond to our brief survey this July and include your contact information to be entered into a raffle for a special cooking gift box curated by the ChopChop family team. Thank you!