On a Friday afternoon, while the full-day four-year-old preschool class was finishing up lunch, classroom teacher Ms. Casey grabbed three bags, took out the contents and prepared them for the kids to eat. The items: a lemon, a rhutabaga, and a nectarine. 

It's all part of Regie's Rainbow Adventure and all of the Early Childhood Center students are involved. 

"Every classroom, from infants tthrough preschool, participates in the program. Each classroom incorporates the program into their daily lesson plans and schedules, so it's age-appropriate and fits their curriculum," said Jessica Platte, director of the Early Childhood Center.  

Regie's Rainbow Adventure was created by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan to teach children about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and getting exercise. Students are exposed to the fruits and vegetables during class when they are able to sample the vegetable of the week, related to a particular color of Regie's Rainbow. 

Children also take home a hand out to share with their families, encouraging the households to try new fruits and vegetables and stay active. There are also easy-to-make recipes and coloring sheets. 

What did the kids think of the fruits and vegetables they tried last week?

• They said the lemon was sour, but some of the students tolerated eating the entire slice. Others were not fans. 
• The rutabaga was not a favorite. The students did not like the flavor, which they said was slighty celery-like. 
• The nectarine was the class favorite. 

Check out pictures of the kids eating their Regie's Rainbow Adventure foods.

Regie's Rainbow Adventure 2025