Annie sits down with Alex DeSorbo-Quinn, Executive Director of Pilot Light, to explore how food can connect learning across subjects and cultures.

To connect with Alex and access teacher resources, visit:
https://pilotlightchefs.org/

Alex shares how teachers can use food as a powerful classroom tool that’s already part of students’ daily lives. This episode covers practical strategies, low-prep activities, and advocacy ideas that help educators engage students, build empathy, and bring culture into learning—without adding extra work to their plates.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• Why food is one of the most effective engagement tools in the classroom 🍎

• How to integrate food into lessons across subjects and grade levels 📚

• Low-prep ways to use food to build connection and curiosity ⏱️

• How food education fosters empathy, respect, and cultural understanding ❤️

• Why advocating for better school meals matters for students and schools 🏫

• How Pilot Light supports teachers with resources, standards, and stipends 🌱

Chapters:
(00:00) Why Food Belongs in Every Classroom
(03:14) Using Food in Any Subject
(09:12) Food, Culture, and Environment
(11:57) Building Empathy Through Food
(14:58) School Lunch and Advocacy
(23:50) Resources for Teachers

Packed with practical guidance and encouragement, this episode helps teachers rethink engagement, use what’s already around them, and see why food truly belongs in every classroom.

#FoodEducation #TeacherPodcast #ClassroomEngagement #TeachingStrategies #SchoolLunch #EmpathyInEducation #PilotLight #TeacherResources #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport